Addiction: The Symptoms
June 4, 2009
Symptoms and Etiology of the Addict
The following list of 17 criteria is, in our opinion, a good set of common symptomatic behaviors and characteristics—a universal diagnostic set—that could be generalized to all substance or behavioral addictions and compulsions.
* A pattern of out of control substance usage or behavior for a year or more.
* Mood swings associated with usage or behavior.
* An increasing pattern of usage or behavior over time marked by periods of abstinence.
* The presence of major or milder forms of depression.
* The feeling of shame or self-worthlessness.
* The consistent need to be liked and find approval from others.
* Impulse control problems, especially with food, sex, drugs, or money/spending/gambling.
* Use of the substance of behavior to reward oneself or to reduce anxiety.
* Obsessing about the substance or behavior, and spending great amounts of time around it.
* Obtaining or doing the behavior becomes the central organizing principle of life.
* Failed efforts to control the behavior.
* Negative consequences due to the substance or behavior.
* Alternating pattern of out-of-control behavior with over-controlling behavior.
* A history of emotional, physical, sexual abuse, or spiritual abuse.
* A family history of addiction, rigidity, divorce, or disengagement.
* Marked feelings of loneliness or abandonment.
* Arrested developmental issues.
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