WHAT IT IS

Chemical Addiction is the medical term used to describe a pattern of abusing of a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. Substance abuse is a recognized medical brain disorder.

Some of the symptoms are

1. Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.
2. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the drug.
3. Developing tolerance or the need to use more drugs to get the same effect
4. Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing or adding to physical or psychological problems

Possible Treatment

Therapy
Support Groups
Residential Treatment
Medication

WHAT IT IS

Also known as non-substance addictions or addictive behaviors, behavioral addictions is the medical terms to the addiction to action or set of actions that creates some calming feelings, or even euphoria, in the user. To this day, Gambling addiction is the only non-substance addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Some of the symptoms are

1. Missing work/school or significant events
2. Irritability when action can’t be engaged in
3. Guilt and shame
4. Lack of self-care
5. Loss of interest in anything else
6. Denial
7. Sleep disturbances
8. Fighting with friends and family

Possible Treatment

Talk Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Support Groups
Mental Health Professionals