What kinds of addictions are there?
There are 4 major categories of addictions based on what happens in the person’s brain. First, there are the arousal addictions or “uppers”, one’s that are chosen because the person feels more stimulated. These are the stimulant drugs such as cocaine and meth, gambling, sex, spending, computer use, TV, and high-risk activities. Second, are the satiation addictions or the “downers”, chosen because the person wants to feel calmer or soothed. These are alcohol, depressant drugs, food, sex, hoarding, TV, and computer games. Third, are the fantasy or the mystical/artistic drugs and activities. These are chosen because the person wants to check out into another world or “space”. Some examples are hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana, religion, sex, TV, computer games and/or relationships. Last, are the deprivation – the avoidance of chemicals and/or behaviors from fear of use. Such as food anorexic, sexual anorexia, under-earning, spiritual anorexia, and under-spending.
