Different types of addiction
November 2, 2022 Addictions
Psychosocial Workers
There are two main categories of addiction:
1. Substance dependency:
The term refers to substances that can cause dependency. These substances include nicotine, narcotics, and alcohol.
2. Non-substance dependency:
Items that do not contain any addictive substances can also lead to a state of intoxication. This state, caused by an increased release of endorphins (“happy hormone”) can lead to addiction to the initial pleasure experienced.
4 spectrums of substance use
Beneficial: use with a positive impact (health, spiritual, or social)
Occasional non-problematic: recreational use with negligible health or social effects
Problematic: Use that has negative consequences for the individual, their friends, family, or society
Chronic: use has become habitual and compulsive despite negative health and social effects
Did you know?
Psychoactive substances are classified into different categories. These are:
- Stimulants: Minor: caffeine, nicotine; Major: amphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy
- Depressants: Alcohol, GHB, codeine, morphine, heroin, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, gasoline vapor, cleaning products, varnish
- Disruptors: Cannabis (hashish, hash oil, dried cannabis); Hallucinogens (Ecstasy, PCP, LSD, mushrooms, ketamine)
Sources (in French)
