Do You Have an Addictive Personality?

It is a common assumption that addictions denote drugs, alcohol, nicotine and other harmful substances. In reality, an addictive personality relates to a set of personality traits that make an individual predisposed to addiction.This can be related to any type of behavior that involves excessive, repetitive, sometimes compulsive use of a substance or action. Common addictions include: Illegal Drugs, Prescription Medication, Alcohol, Cigarettes/nicotine, overeating, dieting, exercising, gambling and sex. While the term "addiction" does bring these negative qualities to mind, people can also be addicted to things that are good for you. Some common "good" addictions: exercise, sports, cleanliness and reading. The truth is, anything that leads to "addictive " proportions, probably isn't good for you.

There are many schools of thought on whether addictions can be caused physiologically. Is it in our DNA, genetics or are there mental disorders that can predispose us to addictions? Conversely, is it behavioral or learned? Regardless of the source, once an addiction begins, it falls quickly into the physiological realm. To read more indepth about the physical changes to an addicted brain, start with this explanation from Wikipedia.

I became dependant on pain medication over thirty years ago due to a chronic health condition. It has been an upward struggle ever since but I have been fortunate to get help and support from my doctors. Hub author, Stephanie7889 gives a personal viewpoint as she talks about what it is like having a mother who is addicted to pain killers in Pain Pills: Living With an Addict. It gives great insight into what our addictions do to those who care about us.

Many people don't even realize they are addicted until they try to stop. This is a two-fold problem when whatever they are addicted to causes chemical changes in the body, such as: Alcohol, pain medication, meth-amphetamines, nicotine, caffeine, etc. In these cases, the person is both physically and emotionally addicted. There are several factors to consider as they try to quit the habit. It is a common fallacy for people to say, "I can stop anytime." or for other people to assume that someone can. Addiction is a condition that deserves support. What works for some people won't work for everyone. It is also important to consider that while some people are quitting a habit, others are battling an addiction. It is wise to seek help and support. There are many programs that can help you shed your addiction as painlessly as possible. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to seek help and try not to let cost be a consideration. There are many agencies out there to help and many friends and family members who would love to help.

Countless times, we hear people say they are addicted to something. It is a term that is unfortuntely, used loosely.

• I am addicted to Coca-Cola.
• I am addicted to Greys Anatomy.
• I am obsessed with the color blue.
• I am obsessed with black olives.

Are these adictions? Probably not. Could they be? Yes. Anything can be an addiction but most likely, these are things that these people just really like a lot.

We are constantly reading or hearing about the addictions of the "rich and famous." Some of these people have kicked their habits and become spokesman to help others. Some of these people have continued to feed their addictions and pique our interest.

Katy Perry reportedly brushes her teeth more than six times a day.

Robert Pattinson claims to be addicted to diet coke

Nicole Kidman must have cake every evening.

Cameron Diaz is addicted to golf.

Charlize Theron is addicted to watching Deal or no Deal.

Avril Lavigne is addicted to wearing black eyeliner.

Jesse Eisenberg to foster cats

Jack Black is addicted to drinking green tea.

Selma Hayak is addicted to breast feeding.

Paris Hilton is addicted to skydiving.

Drew Barrymore began her drug abuse as a very young child but has long since stopped.

Corey Haim, Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe, and Anna Nicole Smith were just a handful of celebrities who lost their lives because of their addiction to prescription drugs.

Countless other stars have lost their lives to illegal drugs. The most recent, Amy Winehouse, Brittany Murphy and Glee star, Cory Monteith.

Mary Kate Olsen has had a long time problem with anorexia but is working on changing that.

David Hasselhoff made a public embarrassment of himself because of his addiction to alcohol.

Jane Lynch became addicted to cold medicine while breaking her addiction to alcohol.