Tommy Recovery Coaching

What Are the Most Prevalent Types of Addiction?

In June 2023, the White House announced a series of actions it intends to take to control the American opioid crisis, a public health emergency that has become problematic on a societal level. The opioid crisis emerged as a terrible side effect of prescription medication use disorder during the final decades of the 20th century. Even though news media attention is rightfully focused on this dangerous addiction, it’s important to note that millions of Americans also deal with the following conditions.

Alcoholism

Over the last five decades, alcohol use disorder has consistently topped the list of common addictions in the United States and around the world. This can be correlated with data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

Alcoholism presents the highest mortality rate, but not in terms of fatal overdoses. It’s the addiction that’s more likely to bring about critical health conditions after years of abuse. Along with opioid and stimulant abuse, alcoholism has a high potential for life disruption, which explains why many patients rely on sober lifestyle coaching, such as recovery coach services in Solana Beach, to get their lives back on track.

Designer Drugs

This is a broad category that includes synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, numerous methamphetamine formulas, hallucinogens, and other substances produced at clandestine pharmaceutical facilities. This addiction category is on the rise because of the potency of the substances as well as the sophistication of trafficking routes. There’s a strong need for harm reduction among users of designer drugs who assume the substances they take are safe because of their appearance, packaging, and erroneous word-of-mouth marketing.

Gaming & Instant Gratification

Gambling, video games, and sex are the major behavioral addictions that have affected the lives of modern Americans over the last 50 years, and they seem to be converging into the “homo ludens” concept proposed by Dutch historian Johan Huizinga in 1938. The homo ludens argument is centered on the playful nature of humans and how when this nature is taken to extremes, the neurochemical changes can amount to hedonic dysregulation. In this condition, individuals are overly stimulated by gamification and commodification. Think about the instant thrills delivered by virtual casinos, the digital streaming of pornographic performances, and online communities focused on gaming. It’s not uncommon for individuals to become simultaneously addicted to the entertainment, gaming, and erotic platforms of today’s digital world.

Prescription Medications

There’s no question that the capitalistic approach to healthcare in the U.S. has contributed to substance use disorders. Some historians who research the development of substance abuse in the U.S. feel that prescription drug abuse is the gateway to many other addictions, and this issue dates back to the days when two out of every five medications or remedies sold at American drugstores contained opium as a main ingredient or adjuvant. Prescription drug abuse and the direct involvement of pharmaceutical giants such as Purdue and Teva form the basis of the opioid crisis. 

For strength-based support with addiction recovery in Solana Beach, CA, reach out to the trained recovery coaches at Sober Lifestyle Coaching. We know precisely what it takes to get sober, stay sober, and live the healthy lifestyle you deserve. We specialize in working with clients with active addictions as well as clients already in recovery. Our sober coaches help clients work through potentially challenging events such as going to work and attending family gatherings while providing encouragement, accountability, insight, and understanding through our own recovery experiences. To learn more about how a sober lifestyle coach can help you or someone you love, call us at 760-300-8338.