We can be addicted to anything

Addiction is mostly seen as the use of addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and heroin. Here is the thing, we can get addicted to anything from chocolate to coffee. I would like to share the findings that I have made on the internet.
Addiction- noun> the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. Basically this means that

we can become addicted to:
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Opioids (like heroin)
• Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics like sleeping pills and tranquilizers)
• Cocaine
• Cannabis (marijuana)
• Amphetamines (like methamphetamine, known as meth)
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Phencyclidine (known as PCP or Angel dust)
• Other unspecified substances
• Intermittent explosive disorder (compulsive aggressive and assaultive acts)
• Kleptomania (compulsive stealing)
• Pyromania (compulsive setting of fires)
• Gambling
• Food (eating)
• Sex
• Pornography (attaining, viewing)
• Using computers / the internet
• Playing video games
• Working
• Exercising
• Spiritual obsession (as opposed to religious devotion)
• Pain (seeking)
• Cutting
• Shopping

These are all listed as substance, behavioral and impulse control addictions. People love to judge but half of us don’t even know we have a problem until there are side effects. There are side effects to any addictive activity, even when you exercise you will get blisters and sore muscles.

Drugs affect three primary areas of the brain:
• The brain stem is in charge of all the functions our body needs to stay alive—breathing, moving blood, and digesting food. It also links the brain with the spinal cord, which runs down the back and moves muscles and limbs as well as lets the brain know what’s happening to the body.
• The limbic system links together a bunch of brain structures that control our emotional responses, such as feeling pleasure when we eat chocolate. The good feelings motivate us to repeat the behavior, which is good because eating is critical to our lives.
• The cerebral cortex is the mushroom-shaped outer part of the brain (the gray matter). In humans, it is so big that it makes up about three-fourths of the entire brain. It’s divided into four areas, called lobes, which control specific functions. Some areas process information from our senses, allowing us to see, feel, hear, and taste. The front part of the cortex, known as the frontal cortex or forebrain, is the thinking centre. It powers our ability to think, plan, solve problems, and make decisions

Healing start when we can admit that we have a problem.

Sources:
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction
https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/addictions-information/types-of-addiction-list-of-addictions/
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-15723834