Most people know that developing a physical dependency on drugs or alcohol can result in going to rehab. But did you know that even the simplest of indulgences can become a full-fledged addiction that can consume your life?

Take a look at these 4 potentially addictive activities and consider whether you might be one of those people.

Shopping

A trip to the mall to buy a few outfits several times a month is one thing.  Overspending foolishly occasionally may be unwise, but it’s not an addiction.

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Some people wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and are completely obsessed with what is missing.  They immediately go to the browser in their phone and start looking for things to buy. The purchases they want to make consume their mind day and night and they become fixated on the idea that until they own whatever they seek, they won’t be beautiful enough, or clever enough, or happy enough.

These people are impulsive buyers.  When they see something at the store, they don’t have the inner voice inside that reasons whether they need something or not.  Their process goes straight from eyeball to cash register.

Taking Risks

People who seek thrill and exhilaration by jumping out of planes, or diving off of cliffs excessively are at risk of being in the same category as full-fledged substance addicts.

When these thrill-seekers look to fulfill their adventure “high” they’re actually looking to release the same chemical that’s released from something as heavy as heroin.

People that develop a dependence on risky behavior are never actually satisfied.  They will continue to seek an action that’s more dangerous than the last until they are putting themselves at risk of serious danger.

Running

You’ve probably heard of “runner’s high.”  This is an actual feeling of euphoria following a running session.  People who enjoy this feeling so much become actual addicts and it becomes their only focus.

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Health Psychologist Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D., says “When you are injured, are you able to stop and take time off to heal? People who are addicted cannot—or if they do, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and trouble sleeping.”

The Internet

Do you wake up in the morning and check your social media immediately?  If you hear your phone beep indication that someone has “liked” something of yours, or sent you a direct message, can you not focus on anything else until you “feed” the urge to check it?

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If yes, you might have a mild to severe case of internet addiction.  People who are addicted to online validation and an “alternate” reality are no different in their brains than people who are addicted to cigarettes or prescription drugs.

These addicts can develop serious dependency and need to be treated with medical attention in the same way as any other addict.

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