Today, we know that there are many more addictions in our society than just the obvious ones such as alcoholism and illegal drug addiction.
For example, Internet pornography has become a fast-growing addiction for young men as well as adult men.
Prescription drug dependency is on the rise and is a fast-growing addiction today for women, even greater than alcohol.
Other addictions that continue to spread and often go unrecognized include gambling, work addiction and food addictions.
Codependency also counts as an addiction. That’s the enabling and dependency that comes from living life and deriving one’s worth from another person — rather than feeling self-worth within or loving one’s self for who one is.
All addictions are debilitating. Unless treated they progressively become worse as time goes on.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you suspect you may have an addiction:
- Is the quality of my life impaired by my addiction?
- Do I tell myself I have control over my habit — that I am not suffering from an addiction?
- Have I tried to quit my addiction and found that I am unable to do so?
- Does my need take up most of my day and has it become more important than anything and anyone else?
- Are the relationships in my life suffering due to my addiction?
- Has a close relative or friend suggested I might have an addiction?
- Do I practice my addiction in secret?
- Do I suffer from feelings of low self-worth and depression that make me feel trapped?
- Do I tend to isolate myself from others and fail to acknowledge when I feel sad or lonely or scared?
- Am I afraid to ask for help?
- Do I see asking for help as a weakness?
It is scary and painful to admit you may have an addiction.
Admitting you need help is not only an important step, it is a courageous one and a great strength. Millions of Americans needlessly suffer in silence from all kinds of addictions.
If any of the items on the above checklist applies to you, consider seeking help to restore your rightful quality of life.
We are all vulnerable human beings who have the right to rely on one another to help us through our pain and suffering.
Learn to live life fully, and have joy and love in your life.
Addiction resources
Here are some treatment options for those battling addictions:
… a good community forum:
SoberRecovery.com
… and a helpful book:
Facing Love Addiction
Photo: Ronaldo Taveira