• A compulsion to continue or repeat the behaviour
• Loss of control
• Continued involvement (that is use of a substance or pursuit of the event) in spite of adverse consequences

Patterns of addictions may vary but the underlying process remains the same

It is possible to become addicted to almost any invertible substance or mood altering event ( e.g. work, money, alcohol, pills, computers, exercise, religion, sports, food, relationships, games or high risk behaviour, etc.)

Some substances can be more addictive than others simply due to the fact many alter the chemistry of the person who uses them. Cravings are created and this can quickly lead to dependence

Regardless of whether we become ‘hooked’ physically or psychologically, all these things can be used compulsively, engaging our minds and our bodies which are inseparable

Any repeated use of any substance or event to numb pain or enhance pleasure and/or help us dissociate or escape has the potential to become an addiction

When we discover something that either creates this feeling of wholeness or allows us to feel whole, it often takes on a life of it’s own

Addicts often feel that their addiction is their best friend and deserves their loyalty and protection. This attitude can create a series of rationalizations and manipulations, denial, deception and lies. This type of behaviour only succeeds in deepening their sense of shame which usually initiated the development of the addiction in the first place.

Risk Factors