What is Addiction?
If say in one sentence anything taken to an extreme can became an Addiction.
First off all let’s have a look at the types of Addictions/substance abuses.
The following list of addictions is just a partial list.
If say in one sentence anything taken to an extreme can became an Addiction.
First off all let’s have a look at the types of Addictions/substance abuses.
The following list of addictions is just a partial list.
Addictions List
A - Addictions beginning with A
A common addiction which seems acceptable in social situations! But is
very progressive?
Also a sugar addiction as alcohol and sugar are similar in chemical
makeup and synthesize in the body in similar ways.
A depressant type drug which leads to very complicated and repetitive
depressions.
Usually acceptable for small pains and fevers and taken in small
dosages for heart health, Excesses of intake leads to Addiction, are not good.
Aerosol sniffing
Action - any activity that is risky and produces adrenalin
Adrenalin
The body self produces this 'fight or flight' drugs. Does progressive
need greater risks to achieve the same feeling?
Addiction to prescribed medications is quite common, because a series
of educated professionals have been involved in the process of this addiction
it is quite hard to stop.
Often depressions occur as a result of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol
and/or sugar addictions. These root addictions need to be addressed to achieve
good recovery.
Anti Depressants generally are designed to trigger the release of a
self produced hormonal drug called serotonin which is the feel good drug
produced by the body. The addiction to the anti depressant is actually an
addiction to the self produced drug serotonin. Good recovery will include ways
to naturally trigger the serotonin. One way of doing this is included in the 12
step way of recovery - particularly in the 12th step - by doing random acts of
kindness.
Art
Getting high to produce better art is common. Also the lifestyle of an
impoverished artist can be addictive.
Collecting art one can not afford may create adrenalin like compulsive
shopping or gambling.
Asthma
A condition that is often worsened by the addiction to the rescue
medication
Adrenalin is produced when the asthmatic fights for the next breath to
the point where life threatening experiences become regular and no longer cause
the body to produce the required adrenalin.
Attention
Authority
Auto Racing
B - Addictions beginning with B
Bulimia
Purging excess calories from a binge by vomiting or over exercising the
actual addiction is to the eating part…Often sugar addiction.
Barbiturates
A common drug addiction
Gamblers get a high from the adrenalin produced by their bodies while
in action. The larger the risk the greater the amount of adrenalin Bestiality
Sex with animals to produce adrenalin and endorphins present in sex
situations. Carries a great deal of guilt and shame in today's religious
society
Guilt and shame also produces addictive adrenalin directly in the
body.
C - Addictions beginning with C
Many soft drinks contain large amounts of addictive sugar and caffeine
which create mood swings and may be diagnosed as polar or other manic behavioral
disorders.
Sugar assimilates in the body the same way alcohol does and is a
strong depressant.
Symptoms of sugar addiction are often heavy depressions and manic
behavior.
Codependency
An adrenalin addiction caused by living in chaos
Codependents will often force crisis to get another supply of
adrenalin
Codependents often hide their more socially acceptable addictions
behind another persons addictions
All addicts are co dependents as well
A common powerful and illegal street drug High is produced from the drug and as well the illegal activity
produces adrenalin
Produces a high when coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate are
consumed
Usually socially acceptable but it is progressive and the body
requires more drug to get same feeling over time
Usually combined with sugar for an even greater high
Like any high the resulting lows are present and cause severe
depressions and mood swings
Coin collecting
Usually a nice hobby but any hobby can become a compulsion in the
hands of a multiple addict Expensive and can produce a gamblers adrenalin high by overestimating
the value of finds
Adrenalin is addictive and progressive so greater finds must be made.
Crime
Pure adrenalin in its highest form when life or reputation is
threatened Addictive in those higher risks must be taken to achieve the same
high.Very difficult cycle to interrupt as punishments also produce life
threatening experiences which keep the addiction going.
Coffee
Produces a caffeine high when consumed Usually socially acceptable but it is progressive and the body
requires more drug to get same feeling over time Usually combined with sugar for an even greater high
Like any high the resulting lows are present and cause severe
depressions and mood swings Depressions associated with coffee addictions are often misdiagnosed
and simply add heavy medications to the addicts’ life.
Withdrawal from caffeine is about four days of flue like symptoms
which is relatively short if cut out completely and compared to years of taking
anti depressants.
D - Addictions beginning with D
Illegal Street drugs produce various highs as well as adrenalin highs
associated with illegal activities. Prescription drugs for depression related disorders often medicate
symptoms when the root causes may be simple sugar and caffeine addictions
Many over the counter drugs contain large amounts of sugar as well
which add to depressions and manic behaviors Some medical drugs are helpful of course.
Drunk Driving
Adrenalin high produced by the high risk illegal activity of drinking
and driving. Extremely high risk as life is usually at stake.
Diuretics
Eating disorder associated addiction Produces adrenalin which gives a feeling of power over ones self
E - Addictions beginning with E
Ego
You name it!
Adrenalin and endorphins produced Addictive and progressive in that more exertion must be accomplished
to achieve the same high
Endorphins
A healthy drug produced in the body and brain Unhealthy sex, porn, crime, gambling and exercise addictions are
symptoms of this basic drug addiction
F - Addictions beginning with F
Fantasizing (excessive) as opposed to dreaming,
Usually associated with the results of cravings caused by sugar
addiction Artificial sweeteners are appetite enhancers and cause huge cravings Excessive food can act as dull feelings
Fetishes
Adrenalin addiction caused by self created adrenalin induced by the
fear or fantasy
G - Addictions beginning with G
Gamblers get a high from the adrenalin produced by their bodies while
in action. The larger the risk the greater the amount of adrenalin
H - Addictions beginning with H
Heroin and Opium
Husbands/Wives (relationships),
I - Addictions beginning with I
Isolation, Imagination
A good characteristic in most cases, but a luxury for an early
recovering addict ... and a self destructive minefield for a practicing addict Living in "your head" is common amongst all addicts
One statistic is that addicts do approximately 80,000 words of self
talk per day - so this addicted ' head ' is a very busy place One saying in 12 step programs is that the head is like 'a dangerous
neighborhood, do not go there alone' The lack of reliable structure in today's daily life leaves a lot of
room for imaginative research
Many addictions are available on the internet Sex, Porn, gambling, relationships to name a few Most porn and
gambling activities produce adrenalin which is highly addictive.
J - Addictions beginning with J
Joking about serious matters
Hiding behind humor is usually a codependent family behavior
An addiction to the controllable living space afforded by work Provides the endorphins associated with being appreciated Junk collecting
K - Addictions beginning with K
Kinky sex - see sex addiction below
Kleptomania
A form of adrenalin addiction where a high is produced by the illegal
act of theft
L - Addictions beginning with L
Lust
Laziness
Lacquer thinners
Liquor
M - Addictions beginning with M
Masturbation
Masochism,
Meetings (as in hiding in meeting)
Men
Marriage
Muscle Relaxants
Marijuana
N - Addictions beginning with N
Narcotics
O - Addictions beginning with O
Over achieving
Over eating
Usually affiliated with sugar addiction
Over working
Over anything can become an addiction
Occult
Prayer (without action)
Pleasure
Phobias
Blocked energy due to overwhelmed or unidentifiable feelings which
produce 'fight or flight' adrenalin within the body sometimes caused by
unresolved grief
Abusive situations may also be a phobia breeding ground as family or
others who should be trusted are not trustworthy leaving gaps in an individual’s
structure system.
Addiction or dependence upon prescribed medications. Commonly, though
not always, is within the mood modifying drug family. Giving up the long
dependencies on prescribed drugs is best done with the help of medical
professionals and sometimes requires a detoxification facility to ease
unpredictable withdrawal symptoms
Pornography
People Pleasing
Perfectionism
Pain Killers
Q - Addictions beginning with Q
Quintessential Behavior (perfectionism)... sorry had to have aQ :)
R - Addictions beginning with R
Religion
It is wise to examine ones attitudes in all areas. Relationships -
Click here for relationships page Racetrack betting and action
Risky behaviors
Sports or work related high risk ventures Adrenalin addiction caused
by receiving large doses of self produced adrenalin
S - Addictions beginning with S
In abusive or negative forms sex can be an adrenalin addiction caused
by receiving large amounts of self produced adrenalin
Adrenalin addiction is a progressive addiction where exciting events
become usual and greater excitement must be reached to produce the same high.
This is dangerous when sex acts are used to produce the adrenalin as
abusive situations may occur
Sexuality is often confusing and care must be taken to not block
sexual energy, which is necessary to achieve a positive energy flow through the
body.
Adrenalin addiction caused receiving self produced adrenalin in a
slave /master situation Common in codependent relationships
Satanism
Adrenalin addiction caused by receiving large doses of self produced
adrenalin leading up to and during highly charged rituals or ceremonies
In extreme cases where sacrificial ceremonies occur the adrenalin is
increased by ingesting still more highly concentrated adrenalin found in blood
of freshly sacrificed animal.
The combined high is often thought to be spiritual when it is actually
double dosing on adrenalin
Smoking
Addiction to nicotine and other addictive substances present in
tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, opium and other sources
The smoked substances also sometimes include other hidden addictive
substances to make them an even larger rush and a more marketable product.
Serotonin - the self produced drug of choice for manic depression and
bipolar folks
SELF – ego
Self Help Books, programs
Self Mutilation
Spotlights (see fame)
Sniffing Solvents
Sleeping
Sleeping Pills
Shock Treatments
Speed
Steroids
T - Addictions beginning with T
Torturing - emotionally or physically - Power addiction
Therapy - codependency as opposed to getting on with life.
Thinners
Thrills
Tobacco
Tramadol
Tranquilizers
Travel
Trichotillomania - Pulling out own hair compulsively.
U - Addictions beginning with U
Ultram - Narcotic Like Pain Reliever aka Tramadol Underachieving
V - Addictions beginning with V
Valium
Vandalism
Vicodin - watch some old shows of the series "House!"
Video
Violence
Voodoo
Vomiting - see Bulimia
Voyeurism
W - Addictions beginning with W
Wealth
Weed
Weightlifting
Women
Work
Wheat Flour – Carbohydrates
X - Addictions beginning with X
X-box - see Gaming
XXX Movies and Magazines
Y - Addictions beginning with Y
Young Sex
Z - Addictions beginning with Z
Zoo sex (sex with animals)
This addictions list excerpt is adapted from the writings of Addictionz.com. Concerning anger
and addiction, to Help to identify causes like Adrenalin and
endorphins associated with high risk behaviors, Help to establish a effective
support group to assist with arresting this behavior, Help to establish a
workable time frame to achieve the goal of stopping drinking and driving,
Helpful Hints on how to Grieve the loss of this behavior, Help to maintain the
ability to not drink/do Drugs.
This list of addictions is provided as a reference for multiple
addicts to allow them to more quickly realize the full extent of their
dependencies.
Not all addicts will be addicted to the same things, many blends,
combinations and permutations will exist simultaneously with the multiple
addict. As well, all addictions usually start with a positive result but end up
becoming a commitment in themselves.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is, by its very nature, a wily opponent. Ask any compulsive
gambler, an adrenalin addict whose addictive chemicals are entirely self
produced, if they wanted to lose the 'entire farm' to get their high from
gambling. The answer will typically be a very sad no.The body will do some very tricky things to get the chemicals it craves,
including rearranging thought and emotional processes.
Hence an anxiety attack can sometimes be 'conjured up' by the body to
gain access to the drug dosage from both the self produced drug adrenalin and
the prescribed medication, alcohol or street drug.
Since effects of a conjured up anxiety attack are exactly the same
effects as an authentic one, the difference between the two is not important.
The drugs are the same in both instance and the withdrawal cycle
repeats itself by enabling more anxiety symptoms. Simply recognizing the possibility of the above statements sheds an
entirely new light on the concept of addiction.
Is it entirely symptomatic?
Definitely not! But the recovery process is definitely confused and
hampered by the roadblocks that the addiction and withdrawal cycles introduce
to the equation. Especially since they are very often unnoticed
Addiction/compulsivity in many ways, several of the relationships
between anger and addiction are listed below.
1. Acting-out in addiction can be passive-aggressive way of “getting
back” at somebody else.
2. Unresolved anger toward a parent, spouse, perpetrator of
violence/abuse can “fuel” destructive impulses within the addiction.
3. Being passive with anger fuels shame, which in turn fuels
addiction.
4. Intense anger can distort rationale though processes allowing
decisions to be made that set one up for relapse
5. Anger combined with being in a victim role can lead to “destructive
entitlement” in which one feels justified in victimizing somebody else
(cheating on spouse, verbally assaulting somebody, going through partner’s
notebook from therapy, etc.).
6. Anger can be an emotional wall, which inhibits intimacy, which can
result in loneliness and therefore, an impulse to act out.
7. Anger can result in a disinhibition of moral values allowing one to
engage in addictive behaviors he/she otherwise would not consider doing (e.g.
going to a topless bar), resulting in a need to “stir up the pot” of
conflict/anger to silence the part of self that says “don’t do this, it isn’t
right!”
8. Fear of another person’s anger can result in the avoidance of
conflict and turning to the addiction for a means of escaping the negative
consequences of unresolved conflict.
9. Fear of one’s own anger or the belief anger is “bad”, can result in
the use of the addiction to avoid the experience of anger, or to avoid becoming
aggressive.
10. Anger used to assertively set boundaries, allows for the
development and maintenance of healthy self-esteem and true intimacy, which are
crucial for recovery.
11. Anger directed at the messages and behaviors that led to shame,
fear, and modeling of destructive coping mechanisms, can result in a rejection
of those beliefs/behaviors and a true healing of related emotional wounds.
12. Anger expressed openly/honestly/assertively within relationships
can allow for a deeper intimacy to emerge, allowing addiction to become “less
necessary.”
Yes of course, It is tremendously gratifying on so many levels to watch a dejected,
lost soul emerge from their drugged cocoon and morph spiritually into a
productive member of society capable of living within a renewed belief system. These folks, if they tend to their recovery properly and continue to
put good things into their lives, will eventually even be able to be
spiritually present in relationships as well.
Often their addictions started when they were very young, so much
maturing will be necessary. The process is uphill though and is very
gratifying. This site is meant to give assistance and hope to folks who have been
encountering roadblocks in their recovery.
True addiction recovery lies in the ability to deal with root issues,
not simply medicate the symptoms of them."
You do not have to carry yesterday's hurt and damaged feelings into
today.
A fresh supply of new feelings is yours for the taking!
"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the
path!"
A great tool for Addictions and Relationship Counselors Use it yourself as part of your Step 4 or to find yourself in a
muddled up codependent relationship
The cycle of Addiction and Codependency with alcoholics or any other
type of addict requires three main people/groups of people:
The Enablers:
Those who allow /excuse/ finance/ bailout the alcoholic/addict.
The Persecutors:
Those who stir up the pot in order to put the alcoholic/addict on the
defense and look for a way out of the pain.
The Victims:
Those who wallow in the excuse that someone is abusing/picking
on/insulting/not recognizing their good qualities.
In the normal cycle of addicted relationships the enablers, the
persecutors and the victims occupy all these roles at various times and to
varying degrees - the fact that all persons switch roles makes it very
difficult to assess anything until a crisis occurs.
There are currently over 1000 different self help organizations, some
undoubtedly more effective than others. Most do not have fees but may pass the
kitty for a few coins to help them pay room rent etc. Consult your local
telephone directory to or contact your local crisis line, check community
listings or ask your doctor for a recommendation. If all else fails call a
local AA office, they can usually point you in the right direction.
Addiction Recovery cases vary according to the type and source of the
addiction. What ever the addiction the fastest way to a solid recovery is by
using a slow and steady approach.
An addiction is described as a three fold disease.
Chemical
Emotional
Spiritual
The recipe for great recovery from addiction requires a balance of
physical and emotional abstinence, a pinch of spiritual growth and a 1/2 a cup
of common sense:
Keep in contact with people who have good recovery. Even the
saints/scientists’ has advisors so why
wouldn't you.
Attend and get involved with 12 step meetings on a regular basis, if
you don't like the group you are at, try another. For fledgling 12 step members
an open AA meeting is always helpful.
Watch for other addictions. If your recovery isn't going too well, the
chances are good that you may have additional addictions in action. It is also
very common for recovering addicts to simply switch addictions. Find positive
addictions.
Look after the little things, the big things always will look after
themselves!
Emotional Maintenance
“Defrag” your brain and clear out the old emotional files (e-files): Write a wish list and keep it in a safe place.
Write an accomplished this year list and keep it in a safe place.
Use a time management tool of some sort and clear out the
accomplishments at the end of each day, more often on especially cluttered days.
Credit yourself for all accomplishments
Write a jot list of your current feelings at any given moment, make
sure you are not feeling someone else's feelings or putting your feelings in
politically correct categories. Throw this list away as you get fresh new
feelings every day, no need to hang on to the old damaged ones.
Write a list of recovery goals that you would like to achieve and keep
it in a safe place.
Archive your past memories and associated feelings by collecting all
the photos you have or can acquire about your life to date, put them in order
in a photo album. This can free up a great amount of space in your personal
operating memory and allow you to go forward in your recovery, quicker.
Five simple rules of happiness:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
5 Stages of Grief
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Non-Acceptance
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Non-Acceptance