ADDICTION

Alice Miller said

"Addiction is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood".

A lot of us have what we are addicted to. Addiction is not restricted to the excessive intake of drugs, alcohols, nicotine etc, alone. When you need to do, take or use something, to the point where it would be harmful to you, it is called ADDICTION. In a simple term when partying, gambling, shopping, is done excessively it can be termed as an addiction.

Some studies suggest that addiction is hereditary, but the major cause of addiction is an environmental(external) factor. For instance, a child brought up by a gambler has a high tendency of becoming one.

WHY DOES ADDICTIONS BEGIN?

Loss of job, poverty, pressure from work, emotional pressure can result in addiction.

Addiction begins when you feel and hope that its something out there such as drug, alcohol, shopping or action that can fill up the emptiness in you.

Most people do not know they are addicted. When going extra miles in satisfying ones' cravings, then one is gradually becoming an addict!

Note: the moment you start getting paranoid over slight issues, getting moody, angry or depressed because you do not have access to a particular thing that makes you happy, it is a clear indication that you are addicted.

As stated earlier, addiction is not attributed to drugs, alcohols, nicotine alone. Other addictions are:

* SOCIAL MEDIA:

Since technology has greatly improved, so has social media. When you browse the internet day and night, moving from one application to the other, without considering other areas of your life, then you are a 'social media addict'.

* SHOPPING:

Most ladies do not have savings, due to excessive shopping. When you acquire things you do not need. You are automatically an addict. And you feel a sense of guilt after you have bought them because even though you cannot control it, you have automatically become slave to it. Because if you don't buy it, you won't be happy.

* WORK:

Most people especially men, are married to their work. They do not have another life outside their work. They are referred to as Workaholics. Their family, relationship and social life suffer, because they hardly have time for themselves, let alone someone else.

* GAMBLING:

This is one of the worst of all addictions. A gambler can put all his life savings into games. After a win, there is this strong urge of wanting to gamble again. This certainly develops into an uncontrollable habit.

* PARTYING:

Going to parties can also become an addiction. We need to watch it so as not to get horribly hurt.

WHERE AND HOW TO SEEK HELP

We can overcome addiction if you seek help from health practitioners. One of the best ways to overcome addiction is through rehabilitation.
Also, there are many options to get advice on how to be free from addiction. I hope everyone of us live the right life.