Addiction refers to a condition in which you are dependent on a particular activity, substance, or thing. When you are addicted to something, you have a strong dependency, craving, or compulsion to get or do that thing. This can be an overpowering compulsion that takes over other aspects of your life. Many times, people use substances or behaviors to temporarily alleviate situational stress or anxiety. However, these habits have consequences and adverse effects that often go ignored in the pursuit of temporary effects.

Addiction doesn’t necessarily have to be something you take, like a drug or alcohol. Many struggle with smoking, gambling, or even shopping. Another example is sex addiction, which is also known as compulsive sexual behavior (pornography, masturbation, anonymous sexual encounters, random hookups) and is a very common form of addiction. As long as it serves as a strong dependency or compulsion that you cannot help but do, it is an addiction.

A lot of people think they have their habits under control and can stop whenever they want to. However, this is not true. Many people do not even know they have a problem or they’re in denial. They justify their actions and truly believe they have them under control. However, it is not like an addiction to be under control. If you are addicted to something, you may be ignoring or unbeknownst to the effects, it is having on your life.

Here are some ways your “controlled” addiction may affect you.

Neglecting Your Loved Ones

It is impossible for addiction to not undermine the personal relationships that make you happy and make life worth living. Family, friends, co-workers, and romantic partners – are the people who make life worth living. No doubt learning about your problem will worry these people and as a result, strain your relationships with them.

If you’re struggling with a substance or activity, it likely takes time away that you could be spending doing other things. It may be affecting the way you interact with others around you. You may even have conflicts with some people in your life. These are all the ways that addiction can affect your life.

Financial Burden

A lot of addictions can be expensive to maintain. Without even realizing it, you may be spending a lot of money on fulfilling your cravings. This can take a financial toll that isn’t necessary. If you are spending a lot more money on maintaining your habit, it is affecting your finances – which can prevent you from doing other things you want. For some people, the financial burden forces them to not meet their obligations and puts them in financial turmoil. Before you get to this stage, talk to a professional.

Work Performance

One of the biggest ways addiction affects your life is through your professional performance. If you have had a difficult time getting your work done or concentrating at work, your addiction could have something to do with it. Depending on your addiction, you may see different effects in the workplace. For example, a drug or alcohol addiction can affect your performance by taking you out of a healthy state of mind. If you have a gambling addiction, it can keep you distracted from your work responsibilities. Addiction can also affect your workplace relationships and end up negatively affecting your career.

Addiction Help

Thinking you have control of your addiction is most often a method of denial that prevents you from seeking help. If you have an addiction, talk to the Dr. Raymond Zakhari of Metro Medical Direct. He has a wealth of experience treating addictions and can help you take back control of your life.

To make an appointment, please call (917) 484-2709 or request an appointment now. We look forward to serving you soon.

Also, check out Dr. Ray’s Podcast The Psychology of it All here. Also available on Apple Podcasts.