Different Addictions

Addiction Disorders Other Than to Chemicals

Sex Addiction is currently one of the hot topics on the news and on the Internet. Many wonder if it’s really addiction or simply a convenient excuse for bad behavior.

The following 2 paragraphs are from www.promises.com:

The National Council on Sex Addiction and Compulsivity defines sexual addiction as "engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others." In other words, someone with a sexual compulsion will continue his or her behaviors despite negative, life-changing consequences like divorce, health risks, financial troubles, and even being arrested.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 80 percent of people with sexual compulsivity have been sexually or emotionally abused. "When you have abuse in your background, you're less likely to trust people, (and) you're more likely to turn to something like sex addiction as a manifestation," said psychologist Mark Schwartz. He also said that having feelings of being neglected as a child can lead to sexual compulsivity.

Gambling Addiction You may have a gambling problem if you:

Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling. You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, feeling others won’t understand or that you will surprise them with a big win.

Have trouble controlling your gambling. Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?

Gamble even when you don’t have the money. A red flag is when you are getting more and more desperate to recoup your losses. You may gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you don’t have money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell or even steal things for gambling money. It’s a vicious cycle. You may sincerely believe that gambling more money is the only way to win lost money back. But it only puts you further and further in the hole.

Family and friends are worried about you. Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. Take a hard look at how gambling is affecting your life. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling’s confidential hotline at 1-800-522-4700

Nicotine Addiction Tobacco use kills approximately 440,000 Americans each year, with one in every five U.S. deaths the result of smoking. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, causes many diseases, and compromises smokers' health in general. Anyone who has ever worked in a hospital knows that nicotine addiction is a problem in health care providers, especially nurses.

Smoking and Pregnancy

Effective Treatments for Tobacco Addiction

Gender Differences in Tobacco Smoking

Tobacco Use and Comorbidity

Sexual Addiction Recovery Institute

Sex Addicts Anonymous

Society for Advancement of Sexual Health

No Porn

Gambling Addiction

Gamblers Anonymous

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous