The Different Types of Addictions


When people think of being addicted to something, they normally think of drugs and alcohol. However, there are many other things one can become addicted to. These addictions aren’t always centred on getting high or drunk. Some involve having fun and spending money, while others start with activities that would normally be fine in moderation and take them to an extreme. All of these addictions eventually lead to addicts ignoring other parts of their lives, including work, family, and hobbies. Here are some of the different things you can become addicted to.


There are a number of different types of drugs you can become addicted to, but cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are three of the most well-known. People become addicted to these drugs because of the high they feel when using them. Each affects the body in a different way, but all of them result in feelings of euphoria, happiness, relaxation, and pleasure.

Unfortunately, this high does come with a price. Most of these drugs have horrible and sometimes fatal side effects. Getting clean isn’t always easy, either, as most drugs have withdrawal symptoms, and former addicts often still have cravings to do the drug again.


It’s also fairly common for people to become addicted to nicotine. This drug is primarily found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and cigars. It doesn’t give you as strong of a feeling of euphoria as other drugs do, but it is incredibly addictive. Fortunately, a nicotine addiction is one of the easier ones to give up. There are a number of nicotine replacement products that can help you lower the amount of nicotine you take in until you are no longer addicted.


Being addicted to gambling is about the rush and thrill of taking big risks. You may not get that instant rush of euphoria that drugs provide, but you do get a rush of adrenaline. The anticipation of whether you’re going to win big or lose it all can be very addicting, especially once you’re on a roll. There are many types of gambling, and they can all be addictive. Playing the lottery, betting on sports, and playing games at casinos can all lead to a gambling addiction.

Prescription Medications

While many people become addicted to illegal drugs, just as many, if not more, are addicted to their prescription medications. Some of these medications, especially painkillers, are extremely addictive. In fact, medications in the opioid family are actually very similar to heroin, and both come from the poppy plant. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes prescribe these medications very liberally, leading patients to become addicted without even realising it.


Finally, it’s possible to become addicted to pornography. If you constantly think about sex and feel the need to look at sexual videos or images, you may be addicted to sex or pornography. Some people enjoy having a lot of sex, but when it reaches the point that you’re obsessed with it, that’s when it becomes unhealthy.