Many people develop habits that bring comfort, pleasure, or relief from stress. However, when a habit becomes difficult to control and begins affecting health, relationships, finances, or daily responsibilities, it may be a sign of addiction. Addiction can involve alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, gambling, gaming, and other repetitive behaviors. Recognizing the difference between a […]

Addiction does not always look the way people expect. It can involve alcohol or illicit drugs, but it can also develop around prescription medications, gambling, gaming, internet use, shopping, and other behaviors. What these experiences can have in common is a growing loss of control. A person may continue using a substance or engaging in […]

When most people hear the word addiction, they immediately think about alcohol or drugs. Yet addiction can take many forms, and some of the most difficult problems to recognize do not involve a substance at all. Gambling, compulsive shopping, excessive gaming, and problematic internet use can become difficult to control, especially when they provide temporary […]

Addiction can begin in many different ways, and it does not always look like the stereotype people expect. One person may gradually develop alcohol dependence after years of using drinking to cope with stress. Another may become dependent on a prescription medication that was originally taken for a legitimate medical reason. Someone else may develop […]

Addiction does not always begin with an obvious crisis. Sometimes it starts with a drink after a stressful day, medication prescribed for pain, gambling that seems harmless, or hours spent gaming to escape difficult emotions. Over time, however, a substance or behavior can become increasingly difficult to control. When that happens, the consequences can reach […]

Addiction can be easy to miss when it does not fit the stereotype. A person can struggle with alcohol while maintaining a career, become dependent on medication that was originally prescribed for a legitimate health concern, or develop a compulsive relationship with gambling, gaming, shopping, or another behavior. In many cases, addiction begins quietly, gradually […]

Addiction does not always begin with illegal drugs or heavy drinking. Sometimes it starts with a prescription from a doctor, an activity that once felt harmless, or a behavior that provides temporary relief from stress and emotional pain. Over time, however, repeated substance use or compulsive behavior can become difficult to control and begin affecting […]

Addiction does not always look the way people expect. It may involve alcohol or drugs, but it can also involve prescription medications, gambling, gaming, shopping, or other behaviors that gradually become difficult to control. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious. Other times, a person may continue working, caring for family, and appearing successful while privately […]

Addiction does not follow a single pattern. One person may struggle with alcohol dependence, another may develop an opioid or prescription medication problem, while someone else may become trapped in compulsive gambling, gaming, or other behaviors. Even when two people experience the same type of addiction, their symptoms, triggers, and recovery needs can be very […]

When people hear the word “addiction,” they often picture someone struggling with alcohol or illegal drugs. While substance use disorders are common, addiction is far more complex than many stereotypes suggest. It can involve prescription medications, gambling, gaming, compulsive shopping, or other behaviors that become difficult to control. Regardless of the form it takes, addiction […]