There are all type of addictions today. First, let's define the word addiction. Addiction defined by the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010 is the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Not all addictions are life-threatening but all addictions affect the person and those close to them. Here are some of the addictions that are not life-threatening yet may still be just as destructive and devastating as drug or alcohol addiction.


Some of the other addictions are gambling, eating, shopping, internet, video games, sex and work. Anything in which a person becomes obsessed can become addictive.

There is much debate about the causes of addiction. There are two components to addiction -- the physical addiction and the mental aspect of addiction -- it is likely that many factors create a risk for addiction. In the case of certain drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin, almost any individual who comes into contact will become addicted. On the other hand, addictive behaviors such as shopping or eating are used moderately by the majority of the population and only become addictions for some.

Some of the risk factors for developing are genetic, environment, abuse, emotional disorders, the substance and low frustration tolerance.

Genetics: some believe that addictions may be inherited. Individuals who come from families are more likely to develop an addiction sometime in their life.

Environment: children growing up in households with parents addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to see that it must be okay drinking and using drugs since their parents are increasing their odds in having to battle an addiction in their life.

Abuse: individuals who have experiences physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse have increased odds of battling an addiction in their lifetime. Their addiction becomes their coping mechanism to handle all the negative emotions surrounding their abuse such as low self-esteem and flashbacks.

Emotional Disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder can increase the risk of addiction for those misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The addiction becomes the way to self medicate and escape what is actually wrong in their life.

Substance: certain substances are more addictive than others, and risk of full-blown addiction is higher for drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine because of their ability to create dependence after just a few uses.

Low Frustration Tolerance: a common factor found amongst addicts of all types is a low frustration tolerance. Addicts are highly susceptible to the negative effects of stress, often experiencing distress at a relatively low level of frustration. They become easily upset over everyday stress factors, creating a need for escape. They find this escape in their addiction.

There are multiple addictions and multiple causes for addiction. Find the root cause and the addictions can become overcome and handled with the person being able to live a normal day to day life.