דלג לתפריט ראשי דלג לרכיב חיפוש דלג לתוכן מרכזי דלג לאזור קישורים תחתון

What are we addicted to?

Addiction develops gradually, often driven by the brain's reward system, which seeks to repeatedly recreate a momentary sense of satisfaction. But how does this process actually unfold? What are the types of addiction? And how can it be prevented?

Addiction is generally categorized into two main types: substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Both types similarly affect the brain’s reward system but manifest in different ways.

Substance Addiction: When Everyday Substances Become Traps

Certain substances, some of which are used for medical or social purposes, can quickly become addictive when their use gets out of control. These substances can be grouped into several categories such as stimulants, depressants, opiates and narcotics and hallucinogens -Cannabis (e.g., hashish and marijuana) and Dissociative drugs (e.g., LSD, ketamine, mescaline, psilocybin)

Behavioral Addiction: When Everyday Actions Spiral Out of Control

Behavioral addiction refers to dependence not on a chemical substance but on a specific activity. This occurs when a regular activity, often initially enjoyable or relaxing, becomes compulsive and disrupts daily life.

Like substance addiction, behavioral addiction involves the brain's reward system. The activity triggers dopamine release, creating a temporary sense of satisfaction. Over time, repeated engagement reinforces the brain's desire for the behavior, leading to a cycle of addiction where control is lost.
Common examples of behavioral addiction include gambling. sexual activity, gaming and shopping. 

Effects of Behavioral Addiction

Behavioral addiction often serves as a way to cope with negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, or loneliness. While the behavior provides a temporary distraction or sense of control, it ultimately deepens the problem and leads to additional harm.

Key impacts include:

  • Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and feelings of self-failure.
  • Social harm: Strained relationships with family and friends, often leading to conflicts or isolation.
  • Financial difficulties: Particularly in cases of gambling or shopping addiction, leading to heavy debt and stress.
  • Impaired daily functioning: Difficulty focusing on work, studies, or daily responsibilities.

How Does Addiction Develop?

Addiction—whether to substances or behaviors—is tied to the brain’s reward system. Whenever we experience something enjoyable, such as eating, exercising, or achieving a goal, the brain releases dopamine, the "pleasure hormone."
With addictive substances or behaviors, dopamine release is unusually high, and the brain starts associating the experience with intense pleasure. Over time, larger amounts or more frequent engagement are required to achieve the same level of satisfaction, creating a cycle of addiction.

Can Addiction Be Prevented?

Since addiction develops gradually, early intervention can prevent it from worsening.

  • Controlled use: Follow medical prescriptions carefully, avoiding misuse or deviation from recommended dosages.
  • Recognize patterns: Pay attention to repetitive behaviors that disrupt your routine. If you feel a behavior is controlling you, seek professional help.
  • Emotional support: Avoid relying on addictive substances as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional difficulties. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals.

How to Cope with Addiction

Addressing addiction requires a combination of personalized treatment approaches.

Physiological treatment:

Detoxification in clinics or inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Psychological treatment

Individual or group therapy sessions focused on changing thought patterns and managing emotions.

Community support:

Joining support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provides a supportive environment for understanding and overcoming addiction

Leumit is Here for You

At Leumit, we view addiction as an integral part of our clients’ overall health. We offer a range of treatment frameworks, from initial diagnosis to full rehabilitation, emphasizing a professional, nonjudgmental, and personalized approach.
If you or someone close to you is dealing with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way and help you regain control of your life.

We thought you'd find this interesting

What is Addiction?

Addiction is an increasing dependence on repeated use of substances or behaviors that, when avoided, cause distress. Despite the harmful consequences, there is often a psychological and physical urge to continue, which may override other life choices.

Read more

Dealing with Addiction: A Guide to Treatment and Support

Addiction is a bio-psycho-social disorder that affects the body, mind, and social environment, requiring a multidimensional approach.

Read more

Smoking and Vaping Among Teens

Smoking is a significant public health issue, and for decades, we've been aware of its health risks. In recent years, vaping has become a new trend among teens, adding another challenge to the fight against tobacco use.

Read more