Types of Addictions

Types of Addictions

When one talks about addiction, one typically refers to drug addiction or substance use and abuse. However, as the present essay will attempt to show, addiction has many underlying explanations which include similar pathways and mechanisms as addiction to sexual behaviour, the Internet, shopping, kleptomania and gambling, among others. Further, all drugs of abuse involve the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, commonly referred to as the brain’s “reward circuitry”. Addictions are many and diverse, and there remains continuous debate as to which addictions qualify for a mention in the DSM-5, the manual used to diagnose mental illnesses in the United States and Canada.

According to reviews in the literature, there appears to be a genetic basis for addiction. Addictions can be directed towards drugs or narcotics, as well as, alcohol and other substances, such as abuse of prescription medications. Alternatively, some addictions are behavioural, and because they stem from normative behaviours, it may be difficult to differentiate between normal behaviours and the same behaviours taken to extremes. However, all addictions share the similarity that they produce pleasure, at least initially, and it is this hedonic quality that makes some substances and behaviours so addictive.

Addictions are hard to fight, but it's possible. Illustration: Elena

Moreover, according to literature reviews, neurobiological and genetic findings relate to diverse addictions. The neurotransmitters, the neurochemicals the brain uses to communicate, most involved with addiction remain dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin is a mood regulator; low serotonin levels are often associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or depression. Such medications are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Depending on doctors’ advice, antidepressants may at times be prescribed to help individuals quit smoking. Hence, tobacco addiction, while legal and accessible, is nonetheless a hard habit to kick. Luckily, several support resources exist for individuals who are committed to start a new life without drug or alcohol dependence. In addition, many rehabilitation centres, clinics and even hospital departments allow persons to change their lifestyle and habitual patterns, and transform their lives into a drug, alcohol or other addiction free environment.