In her Health class in the University, Maria asked her professor, “What is an addiction?” “An addiction is a physical or psychological dependence on a substance or activity that causes harm to the person,” he replied. Maria thought of her grandfather, who had smoked since he was young and always said he could quit the cigar if he wanted, but could not. The professor explained that addictions begin as a choice, but the person loses control over time and becomes dependent.
Then, Maria realized she was addicted to her phone and social media. There are lesser-known addictions compared to the more common ones, such as alcoholism or smoking. Here ten addictions or habits that also make many people sick.
1—Shopping. Oniomania is the irresistible compulsion to buy and overspend money. Women, especially, have an uncontrollable desire to shop, often driven by instant gratification or a sense of emotional relief. This addiction leads to mental disorders, financial conflicts, strained relationships, and feelings of guilt.
2—Gambling. Pathological gambling, or pathological gambling, is a form of addiction in which a person develops compulsive and uncontrollable behavior towards gambling. Addicts have an irresistible need to gamble, to bet increasing sums of money to feel excitement or satisfaction. Failed attempts to control gambling generate feelings of frustration and hopelessness.
3—Exercise. There is an obsession with extreme physical exercise and the constant need to improve physical appearance. Although exercise benefits health, some people, especially men, develop compulsive habit, leading to bodily injury, nutritional imbalances, and social isolation.
4—Workaholic. It is an excessive and compulsive obsession with work. Addicts devote too much time and energy to their work. Even during leisure time, they continue to think or worry about work tasks harming physical and mental health and personal relationships.
5—Sex. Hypersexuality is a compulsive obsession with sex and sexual activity. Addicts have an intense need to engage in sexual behaviors in a repetitive and uncontrolled manner. They then end up with intense feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse.
6—Food. The lack of control over the intake of foods high in fats and sugars leads to health problems and obesity. Food addiction is a way of coping with negative emotions, stress, or anxiety as a form of emotional comfort or escape. After binge eating, addicts feel intense guilt, shame, and regret due to a lack of control.
