Different Types of Addiction: Physical and Behavioral | New Choices (2024)

Table of Contents

Physical Addictions
Behavioral Addictions
Signs of Addiction
Treatment

Addiction can be either physical or behavioral, and often they go hand in hand. Though alcohol and tobacco are commonly recognized types of addiction, there are actually hundreds of types of medically and scientifically recognized addictions.

Cravings, compulsions, inability to stop, and lifestyle dysfunction all point to the existence of some type of addiction. A person can be addicted to behaviors just as seriously as one can be addicted to substances such as alcohol or hard drugs.

The addictive behaviors that result from both types of addiction can have serious negative consequences though, from all that comes with a substance use disorder to the perils of a gambling addiction, or even compulsive shopping and sexual behavior to an unhealthy degree.

Addiction is a complex disease. The type of addiction doesn’t really matter as much as the underlying issue causing the patient to chase that pleasurable feeling while incurring adverse consequences.

These adverse effects with the development of addiction can include financial issues, destructive behavior, relationship issues, family conflict, and the negative feelings that come up as a result of these things.

Physical Addictions

Physical addictions are the ones that are generally better known. These are addictions to substances that are ingested or otherwise put into a person’s body. Some common physical addictions include:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Opioids
• Prescription drugs
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• PCP

Physical addictions can generally be grouped into three categories: alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.

• Alcohol addiction is arguably among the most common. It manifests in the form of alcohol dependency, binge drinking, or regular heavy drinking. Alcohol addiction often starts with social drinking and then progresses further and further until one finds him or herself dealing with an unbreakable addiction.
• Illicit drug addiction is an addiction to illegal substances that cause short-term disruptions in the brain resulting in an altered perception of reality. Illegal drugs cause long-term changes to the brain and other organs, leading to severe addiction.
• Prescription drug addiction is using approved medications in any way that has not been prescribed by a doctor. This is becoming increasingly problematic in the United States today.

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addiction is classified as any time that one loses control of their actions in order to engage in behaviors that result in brief feelings of happiness. That person becomes dependent on the pleasurable feelings that come as a result of certain behaviors and begins to compulsively act on that behavior.

Some common behavioral addictions include:

• FoodAddiction
• Sex Addiction
• Internet Addiction
• p*rnography Addiction
• Using computers and/or cell phones
• Video Game Addiction
• Work Addiction
• Exercise Addiction
• Spiritual obsession (not to be confused with religious devotion)
• Seeking pain
• Cutting
• Shopping Addiction
• Exercise
• Gambling Addiction

If you have an impulse control disorder, you are especially susceptible to the compulsive behavior that could lead to a severe addiction. Similarly, mental health issues or mental disorders can exacerbate the risk for both a substance use disorder and a behavioral addiction.

Physical and behavioral addictions are often linked. Over half of those suffering from addiction to one substance are also using other substances. Additionally, those battling substance abuse disorders often suffer from behavioral addictions as well.

There are many similarities between substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Some of the similarities include the excitement or “high” resulting from use or behavior, craving the “high”, development of tolerance leading to increased use or repeated behavior, loss of control, and psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms

Signs of Addiction

Addiction manifests itself differently in each person, and signs of addiction vary based on what the person is addicted to. Drug addiction changes the body, specifically the brain, and can have visible physical side effects. Behavioral addiction does not exhibit the same physical symptoms that accompany drug and alcohol addiction or substance abuse. Some signs of addiction that aren’t physical include:

• Significant amount of time spent using substance or engaging in the behavior
• Inability to quit using or engaging in the behavior
• Inability to fulfill obligations at school, work, or home
• Relationship or social problems
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms upon quitting
• Previously enjoyed hobbies abandoned

Dependency is when a person needs something in order to function normally and is often accompanied by increased tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal when the drug or behavior is no longer present. It is a gateway to addiction. A person can be dependent without being addicted if it does not cause a person to engage in compulsive or harmful behavior. If you find yourself or a loved one becoming dependent on any substance or behavior, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid getting to the point of addiction, which is even more difficult to overcome.

Addiction, whether physical or behavioral, impacts many parts of a person’s life. Repeated use of substances or repeated behaviors results in physical brain changes, leading to impaired learning, decision-making, memory and judgment. Over time, addiction causes organ damage and increases risk of contracting a communicable disease. Addiction is known to cause depression and/or suicide and affects relationships with family and friends. Legal problems and financial woes are also common issues that result from addiction.

Treatment

Both genetic and environmental factors influence decisions and circ*mstances that lead to addiction. It is a confusing and challenging path to travel, not only for the person suffering but also for their friends and family members. It’s important to know that no addiction, regardless of what it is to, is un-treatable. Professionals can effectively treat addictions of all types, both physical and behavioral. Personalized treatment plans allow people suffering from addiction to ease through withdrawal and learn to live without their addictions.

It is possible to return to a healthy life with the help of the appropriate behavioral therapies, medication assisted treatment, exercise, and a sense of community. There are a variety of treatment options available and our compassionate treatment team is here to help with your substance abuse disorder, whether you choose residential treatment or outpatient. We do dual diagnoses of co-occurring disorders so we can get to the root of the addiction. Often, addiction is indicative of other underlying issues and is a way to self-medicate for the patient. We can provide the proper medical treatment to alleviate both.

Our wide range of addiction recovery services includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, MAT, and we help you build a routine, exercise regimen, and a sense of community at our facility.

You can call us at the number below to speak with someone about your situation with a physical addiction. If our addiction treatment is not what you need, we can refer you to other places that can help.