Addiction San Diego Faces of Addiction AToN Center

The Many Faces of Addiction

Last updated 6 months ago

Public perception about addiction is that it is limited to drugs and alcohol. While these forms of uncontrollable abuse are common, psychiatric professionals are constantly recognizing new forms of addiction.

Alcoholism: Alcohol abuse is characterized by patterns of regular and excessive consumption of alcohol. The path of the alcoholic typically begins with social drinking at healthy doses. As drinking becomes habitual and tolerance increases, alcoholics begin to lose interest in activities or outings that do not involve alcohol. Binge drinking is another known pattern of alcoholism. Binge drinkers choose to consume huge volumes of alcohol in one sitting. Though the long-term effects of alcoholism may not affect binge drinkers as quickly, this pattern carries its own risks of physical harm and alcohol poisoning.
Behavioral Addictions: Not all addictions are linked to chemical substances—hobbies and harmless interests can quickly hinder an individual’s life if they trigger addictive behavior.
- Gambling addiction compels individuals to risk their entire savings for the rush of winning big.
- A sex addict often compromises important personal relationships by following compulsions for intimacy.
- Exercise is normally healthy, but unregulated physical strain can take a heavy toll on the body.

Any behavior that begins to take priority over family, friends, and work may be the first sign of an addiction.

Substance Abuse: Chemical dependence begins with experimentation and regular use. As this use develops into habitual routines, the user is more likely to begin participating in risky behaviors. Driving under the influence and dosing at work or school are common for users who have reached a state of true dependency on their substance of choice. As this dependency grows into an addiction, the user’s entire life begins to focus on obtaining an additional fix.

At the AToN Center, our holistic treatment programs incorporate the most effective elements of recovery unique to each person. Visit us online for more information on our recovery strategies for patients suffering with behavioral and substance addictions. Reach our understanding staff today at (858) 227-4613.