We can become addicted primarily to chemical substances, such as alcohol, narcotics, and some psychotropic drugs, but also to certain behaviors, the so-called behavioral addictions - from computer games, gambling, shopping, food, sex, or the Internet. Addiction is a broad term; however, regardless of what addiction we are talking about, there are several symptoms typical of an addicted person; they are:
- A strong desire and irresistible need to reach for a substance or perform a specific activity.
- Difficulty limiting or controlling substance use or behavior performance.
- Increased tolerance, i.e., the need for more significant amounts of the substance or more intense behavior to achieve the desired effect.
- The onset of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, tremors, or nausea is when a person tries to reduce or stop using a substance or performing a behavior.
- Loss of interest and resignation from other activities for addiction - over time, the addict's whole life is focused on obtaining and using substances.
- Difficulties in maintaining interpersonal relationships and problematic social functioning.
