The statement "addiction" is vastly overused by most of society. We have a tendency to claim to be "addicted" to everything from chocolate to action movies and everything in between. True addiction, however, is more insidious than the typical "jonesing" emotion that you get for the things you are passionate about. But certain objects or substances that aren't generally destructive may in reality be the objects of "addictions." Some individuals accurately are "addicted" to things we might routinely think are risk-free. So are you in fact addicted to something or do you simply thoroughly like it a lot? Here are a few of the characteristics that you may be addicted.

Has your lack of resistance for your substance amplified? For example, once upon a time you might have felt better following consuming just one cup of coffee. Although at this time you don't feel right until you've had at least two or three. This is often one of several symbols of addiction. What may have begun as a straightforward yearning is starting to dominate our lives when we learn that it takes a larger and larger amount to make us feel right. That syndrome is a classic indication that someone can be an addict.

Have you started hiding the effects you desire from others? A huge amount of alcoholics and drug addicts carry out just that. They need to make access both concealed and quick, and they're scared that others have started to notice, so they stash things in places that are hard to find but easy for them to get to. It really is a main indicator that you may be addicted when you conceal things so people won't see you using and won't find your stockpiles. But be sure to understand that there's a distinction between hiding bags of candy all over the house and denying that you ever eat any compared to merely hiding one bag so your spouse doesn't eat it all.

Do you consume or use your chosen substance more frequently than you let on to other individuals? Alcoholics, as an example, could have a few drinks at home and subsequently go out to a tavern with friends for a few more. This way their friends do not think they're necessarily drinking excessively, but they can in fact have much more than is obvious. Or they might merely keep consuming alcohol following parting from their friends. This kind of lying and hiding of your actions is a symptom that you know what you are doing is wrong. Your feeling of guilt is telling you something, and you need to take note.

It can be vital to bear in mind that addiction can turn up in many forms. It isn't always drug addiction or alcoholism; regular actions like eating, shopping, or even just getting some exercise can turn out to be objects of addiction for some of us. Never ignore the signs of addiction; get support if you find yourself hiding things away, concealing your behavior, feeling ashamed of what you're doing, and noticing that it takes more and more to make you feel calm or happy. Just about anything is okay in moderation--it is when that something takes over other areas of our lives that we run into trouble.

Don't suffer by yourself and don't believe you can cure yourself; look for help if you see the warning signs of addiction in your life. You do not have to give up your years to addiction.