To think of addiction as meaning only drugs and alcohol is a disservice, it is a broader subject than that alone.
Process addictions can occur in addition to chemical dependency. Some compulsive behaviors have been viewed as an addictions such as gambling, shopping, and eating dysfunction. When active in addiction, pain is generated to self and others. Some questions come up. What actually is addiction? Where is the starting point? When does a pattern of behavior cross the line into addiction?
It is a mystery why some can use drugs or alcohol and not become addicted, while others cannot avoid it. The unfortunate however, are not capable of controlling thier use, cannot stop and get addicted. Addiction is possible for everyone despite ethnic, social or economic status.
There is no single standard definition of an addict. There is no poster child. Although there have been many studies on addiction scientists and researchers cannot agree on you the cure or cause. The part of addiction and that is the most difficult to quantify and evaluate is the emotional part of it. It is not uncommon to see addiction being fed by the quest to gain relief from emotional distress. It is ironic that engaging in the behavior actually creates more negative emotions that require even more relief.
While addiction manifests itself in different people in different ways, here are the most common signs and symptoms of addiction:
Symptom 1 - Unable to meet responsibilities of relationships or at home, school or work.
Symptom 2 - Compulsive preoccupation, meaning one spends a great deal of time thinking about the substance or behavior
Symptom 3 - Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or end the behavior. Loss of control occurs.
Symptom 4 - Engages in the behavior or substance use knowing it is dangerous or in dangerous situations such as driving.
Symptom 5 - Because of the addiction, one stops activities or hobbies that were fun or enjoyable.
Symptom 6 - There is a need to increase the amount and frequency of the behavior or substance to achieve the desired felling or affect.
Symptom 7 - Ones life has become centered around the addiction, isolation from others occurs.
The time has come to talk to someone if any of the above signs and symptoms are prone in your life. Virtually all addiction professionals agree that there is a progressive element to addiction. If you do nothing, the disease will progress toward the worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.