Most of us identify the term “addiction” related to substance addiction such as alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, or other drugs. However, there are types of addiction other than this, which is described as an overwhelming need to engage in a certain behaviour or action. As per Colleen Travers, behavioral addiction are similar to substances addiction as there would be lack of control over one’s activities, compulsive, or obsessive conduct, and continues to make them do something despite negative consequences.
Let’s look at a few addictions that appear to be typical behaviours but are actually addictions that we are unaware of.
Love
Love can be an addiction. People who are love addicts become extremely focused and sometimes obsessed with their sentiments of love, which causes feelings of thrill and connection. One sort of love addiction is, when a person becomes fascinated with a love interest as these people think of their partner as a living source for them. Another love addiction occurs when a person tries to recreate the emotional high of a new relationship over and over. Social interaction, environmental factors, and personal difficulties all contribute to this.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an addiction for most people since they cannot live without it. Not just coffee, but any caffeinated beverage, will work its magic to turn your terrible day into a good one. Caffeine like most addictive substances, gives a mental reward. Caffeine is an element that mimics adenosine, a sleep inducing substance that slows the brain. But, consuming caffeine causes it to speed, preventing adenosine from doing its job. The more caffeine you consume, the more you get on to stay awake. Caffeine also boosts dopamine production which activates the brain pleasure centers, which is why it is addictive to most.
Exercise
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Exercise is a healthy activity that benefits us in many ways. However, too much of work-outs can also turn into a dangerous addiction. If a fitness freak has not exercised in a day or more, they will experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, and even guilt for not going to the gym. These symptoms typically develop when a person is injured or unable to exercise for reasons beyond their control. Exercise addicts even workout when they are injured, as they are under pressure to follow strict fitness routines and become hard on themselves for not exercising enough.
Shopping
Have you ever been labelled a shopaholic before? Well, you might be addicted to shopping. Turns out that there are as many reason to develop a shopping addiction as there are shoppers. Shopping can be used to relax, feel more in control, or fill a void within oneself. Are you a shopaholic? If you use shopping as a mood booster or if you purposely spend more than your monthly budget and purchase things that you don’t need or if you are hiding your purchases or payments, and if you are lying to yourself and others about you’re shopping spree, you’re definitely an addict.
Music
Most of us used to declare that listening to a song was so addicting that we could not stop. It is unquestionably true that music may be addictive. But do not worry, this is one of an addiction that you would never have to break. Listening to good music gives you a natural high. This occurs when the body responds by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine, which makes us want to repeat activities in order to reclaim that feeling, which is why we might become hooked to listening to our favourite music.
Tattoos
You have probably seen people with body art or “tattoos” from head to toe and wonder why do they have tattoos all over their bodies. Addicted to tattoos can be a psychological condition that your body is affected by how you think about yourself. One, you can believe that a new image on your skin will dazzle others, increase your self-esteem, and eliminate the need for further needlework if you believe that tattoos can transform people’s perception of you. On another hand, new ink might not be enough. You may be going around in circles in your hunt for more pictures, depressed or furious at yourself, and not seeing a new, happier face in the mirror. That might feel like an abused substance and it can cage you.
What are your thoughts? Are you hooked to any of the above? Whatever it is, remember to keep everything in balance, do not go overboard in anything, and strive to live a peaceful existence.
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