Addictions. We’ve come a long way from the days when addiction began and ended with substances. Today, we have a much deeper understanding of what it means to be ‘addicted’, whether it’s to drugs, alcohol or certain behaviours.
But addiction is complex and with new research and theories emerging every year, our understanding continues to evolve. Because of this, there may be gaps in what you know about how addiction starts, why it happens or what it really means.
This page will help bring you up to speed and show you where to turn for help.
What things can we get addicted to?
It might seem like a bizarre section title but it’s one to sit back and think about for a second. Addiction often conjures up images of drugs or alcohol and for good reason. These substances can alter brain chemistry in powerful ways, hijacking the reward system and making it difficult for a person to function without them. But what are some of the most addictive substances out there?
Let’s take a look at some of them:
Addictive substances
- Nicotine: Found in cigarettes and vapes, it rapidly stimulates dopamine release and creates strong cravings within days of use.
- Alcohol: A depressant that lowers inhibitions and can become a coping mechanism, leading to both physical and psychological dependency.
- Heroin: An opioid that gives an intense feeling of euphoria followed by extreme withdrawal symptoms, making quitting difficult.
- Cocaine: Causes a rapid, short-lived dopamine surge that often leads to binge use and intense comedown effects.
- Methamphetamine: Stimulates dopamine release at levels far above natural highs, quickly leading to psychological dependence.
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Prescription opioids (e.g. OxyContin): Often prescribed for pain, but highly addictive due to their euphoric and sedative effects.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax): Used to treat anxiety and insomnia but can lead to tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Cannabis: While not addictive for everyone, frequent use can lead to dependency, especially when used to numb emotions.
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Ketamine: A dissociative drug that some people use repeatedly to escape reality or trauma, which can lead to habitual misuse.
- GHB/GBL: Often used recreationally for their euphoric and disinhibiting effects, but highly addictive and risky to quit suddenly.
Psychological and behavioural addictions
Addiction is a complicated thing. So complicated, in fact, that it’s entirely possible to become addicted to something that doesn’t contain any substance at all. You don’t have to smoke it, drink it, inject it or swallow it for it to gain control over your life.
These types of addictions are known as behavioural or psychological addictions. They stem from repeated patterns of behaviour that stimulate the brain’s reward system in much the same way a drug would. At first, the behaviour might feel harmless, even productive. But over time, it can grow into a compulsive need that’s hard to switch off, especially if it offers a sense of relief, escape or validation.
Here are some examples of psychological addictions and why they can become so difficult to break:
- Gambling: The unpredictable reward system triggers strong dopamine surges, much like a drug, keeping people hooked even after repeated losses.
- Pornography or sex: Offers instant gratification and can be used to escape emotional pain or stress, leading to compulsive use.
- Video games: Designed to reward players frequently, creating a loop of achievement and escape that’s hard to step away from.
- Social media: Likes, comments and endless scrolling stimulate small dopamine hits, which can lead to constant checking and validation-seeking.
- Exercise: Usually a healthy habit, but it can become addictive when used to control emotions, body image or anxiety.
- Shopping or spending: Gives a rush of excitement and control that can be habit-forming, often used to fill emotional voids.
- Work (workaholism): Reinforced by praise and productivity culture, working excessively can become a way to avoid personal discomfort.
- Food or binge eating: Eating, especially sugary or fatty foods, can temporarily soothe emotional stress, leading to repeated overuse. This is a trait seen in some eating disorders.
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Love or relationships: Some people become dependent on the emotional highs of romance or attention, leading to unhealthy attachment cycles.
- Internet use: The endless novelty and stimulation can provide a constant escape, making disconnection feel uncomfortable or impossible.
What can an addiction do to a life?
We’re always told how bad addiction is. Ask anyone and you won’t find someone who says it’s a good thing. And they’d be right. But have you ever stopped to ask why? What actually makes addiction so damaging?
For some people, that answer isn’t clear because addiction has never touched their lives. They haven’t experienced it firsthand or seen what it can do when it quietly takes hold. Without that close-up view, it’s easy to underestimate the damage. Addiction can unravel lives in ways that aren’t always obvious at first, affecting not just the person struggling but everyone around them.
Below, we take a closer look at how addiction can affect your life and the people closest to you:
Addiction damages your health – sometimes permanently
One of the most immediate and long-lasting effects of addiction is its impact on your health. This doesn’t just apply to drug or alcohol addictions, either. Behavioural addictions like binge eating, overexercising or even chronic sleep disruption due to gaming or internet use can also wear the body down. From liver damage and heart issues to anxiety, memory loss and poor immune function, addiction puts both physical and mental health at risk. And in some cases, the damage is irreversible.
Addiction hijacks your time and priorities
Addiction has a sneaky way of making itself the centre of your world. The things that once mattered (work, hobbies, friendships) slowly slip to the sidelines. Days start revolving around the next drink, the next bet, the next scroll or the next hit. Before long, time disappears into a loop of chasing relief and avoiding reality. Ambitions are put on hold. Passions fade. Even basic self-care gets neglected.
Addiction damages relationships
Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It often hurts the people closest to you. Friends may feel shut out, partners may feel replaced and family members may start walking on eggshells. Trust is usually the first thing to go, replaced by confusion, frustration or even fear. In many cases, addiction isolates people from their support network, either through shame, secrecy or conflict. And rebuilding that trust can be a long road.
Addiction leads to financial instability
Whether it’s funding the addiction directly or losing the ability to hold down a job, money tends to become a major issue. Addictions like gambling, shopping and drug use can drain bank accounts quickly. But even less obvious ones, like work addiction or online gaming, can cause job loss, missed payments or poor financial decisions due to burnout or lack of focus. Debts build up, responsibilities are missed and long-term stability crumbles.
Addiction changes how you see yourself
Over time, addiction can seriously affect your self-image. You may start to feel shame, guilt or frustration about your own choices, especially if you’ve promised yourself or others that you’ll stop. That sense of powerlessness can erode your confidence and convince you that you’ll never be anything other than addicted. The more addiction takes hold, the harder it becomes to separate who you are from what you’re struggling with.
Addiction becomes harder to ask for help
The longer an addiction continues, the more difficult it can be to reach out. Not because people don’t want to, but because fear, shame or pride can make asking for help feel impossible. You might worry about being judged, misunderstood or rejected. You might convince yourself you don’t deserve help. But this silence can be just as damaging as the addiction itself, keeping people trapped far longer than they need to be.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in yourself or others, it could be worth reaching out for extra help and support.
Are some more prone to developing an addiction than others?
For a long time, addiction was seen as a character flaw. People thought it came down to a lack of willpower, poor choices or being weak-minded. But over the past few decades, that view has shifted. Today, addiction is understood as a complex condition rooted in biology, psychology and the environment.
- Genetics play a role: Research has shown that addiction can run in families. Certain genes may make someone more vulnerable, but it’s never just about genetics alone.
- Personality traits matter: Traits like impulsivity, sensation-seeking or emotional sensitivity may increase the risk. These traits aren’t bad in themselves, but when combined with stress or poor coping skills, they can lead to addiction.
- Mental health is deeply connected: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD often occur alongside addiction. This is known as dual diagnosis. For many, addiction starts as a way to manage mental health symptoms without real support.
- Environment influences behaviour: Growing up around substance use, having unstable home life or being in high-risk social groups could all raise the likelihood of addiction. Even peer pressure can tip the scale.
- Trauma leaves a lasting mark: Whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect or major life events, trauma could fuel addiction as a form of emotional escape. Unprocessed pain often finds an outlet through substance use or compulsive behaviour.
In reality, addiction rarely has just one cause. It’s usually a mix of influences that shape a person’s path. Understanding where it may have started doesn’t change the past, but it can point someone toward more targeted, compassionate help.
How is an addiction treated?
Addiction treatment depends on the type of addiction and the person behind it. Substance addictions and behavioural addictions often follow similar paths in recovery, but each has its own needs.
Substance addiction treatment usually starts with detox. This stage focuses on helping the body adjust to life without the drug or alcohol, ideally in a safe setting where physical symptoms and health concerns can be closely monitored. Once detox is complete, therapy begins. This is where deeper work happens: exploring the reasons behind the addiction and building new ways of coping. Common therapies include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy
- One-to-one counselling
A calm, structured environment with consistent support can make it easier to fully focus on recovery and stay on track.
Behavioural addiction treatment doesn’t involve detox, but it still requires serious focus. The main aim is to break the cycle of compulsive behaviour and understand what’s fuelling it. This is often emotional in nature; stress, trauma, anxiety or even boredom. Treatment usually includes:
- Therapy to challenge unhelpful thought patterns
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Time away from daily triggers
- Supportive routines and accountability
Many people find it easier to break behavioural addictions in a dedicated space, away from distractions, where they can reset and focus fully on healing.
How can I find support for an addiction?
If you or someone in your family is struggling with addiction, reaching out can feel like the hardest step, but it’s also the most important one. Rehab Guide is here to make that step easier.
We connect people with trusted rehab centres across the UK, offering guidance on everything from detox and therapy to long-term aftercare. Whether the addiction involves substances or behaviours, we’ll help you find the right kind of support for your needs.
Speak to our team today and take the first step toward a healthier, more stable future. You’re not alone in this.
FAQs
What are the signs of behavioural addiction?
Feeling unable to stop a behaviour, losing control, using it to escape emotions and seeing it affect your relationships or work are all signs of a behavioural addiction forming.
Is inpatient rehab the best option for addiction recovery?
Inpatient rehab offers structured support, therapy and time away from triggers, making it a strong choice for those struggling with long-term or severe addictions needing focused, consistent help.
What’s the difference between substance and behavioural addiction?
Substance addiction involves drugs or alcohol. Behavioural addiction involves compulsive actions like gambling or gaming. Both affect the brain’s reward system and can cause major disruptions in everyday life.
Can addiction be linked to mental health problems?
Yes. Many people with addiction also live with depression, anxiety or trauma. This is called dual diagnosis and both issues should be treated together for recovery to be effective.
References
- Raypole, Crystal. “Psychological Addiction: Meaning, Symptoms, Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/psychological-addiction. Accessed 4 June 2025.
- Waaktaar T, Kan KJ, Torgersen S. The genetic and environmental architecture of substance use development from early adolescence into young adulthood: a longitudinal twin study of comorbidity of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. Addiction. 2018 Apr;113(4):740-748. doi: 10.1111/add.14076. Epub 2017 Nov 24. PMID: 29057620.
- Zilberman N, Yadid G, Efrati Y, Neumark Y, Rassovsky Y. Personality profiles of substance and behavioral addictions. Addict Behav. 2018 Jul;82:174-181. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007. Epub 2018 Mar 6. PMID: 29547799.
- Jegede O, Rhee TG, Stefanovics EA, Zhou B, Rosenheck RA. Rates and correlates of dual diagnosis among adults with psychiatric and substance use disorders in a nationally representative U.S sample. Psychiatry Res. 2022 Sep;315:114720. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114720. Epub 2022 Jul 8. PMID: 35834863.
- Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ. Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population. Depress Anxiety. 2010 Dec;27(12):1077-86. doi: 10.1002/da.20751. PMID: 21049532; PMCID: PMC3051362.
- Mennis J, Stahler GJ, Mason MJ. Risky Substance Use Environments and Addiction: A New Frontier for Environmental Justice Research. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 Jun 18;13(6):607. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13060607. PMID: 27322303; PMCID: PMC4924064