Write 18 page essay on the topic An exploration of various process addictions ( sex, Internet and Gambling).Download file to see previous pages... In the contemporary society, the growing rate of addi

Write 18 page essay on the topic An exploration of various process addictions ( sex, Internet and Gambling).

In the contemporary society, the growing rate of addiction to various substances and activities is one of the most formidable challenges the world is facing. Chemical, sex, gambling and internet are some of the most common types of addictions in the society. This paper explores the various process addictions focusing on sex, gambling and internet and comparing them with chemical addiction. Overview of process and chemical Addictions Since time immemorial, addiction has been associated with dependence and consumption of drugs and drinks. Research on substance addiction such as alcohol, cocaine and opiate drugs has been the subject of numerous studies, eliciting diverse as well as congruent findings. Volkow (2005: p49) argues that substance addictions are often associated with a perceived loss of control by the users, a condition attributed to the potent nature of the addictive substance or psychological craving that the substance triggers in the body. Dependency has been noted in other addictive activities that do not involve ingestion of drugs and other chemical substances that cause addiction. Dependency on sex, the internet, gambling, work, computer games and other habits are widespread in the society and have become addictive like chemical substances such as drugs. ...

These include tolerance to a psychoactive substance and withdrawal symptoms after access to an addictive substance or activity. The third behaviour involves taking larger quantities of the substance, or extending the use for a longer period than the initial intentions. Fourthly, people dependent on substances or other activities have persistent desires to stop or control the habit, but their attempts to cease are usually unsuccessful (APA, 2000: p38). The fifth characteristic of dependency is spending a lot of time in the use of the substance or in activities, which facilitates the availability of the substance or activity. Consequently, the affected person’s attendance to other important activities such as occupation, social interactions and leisure is greatly reduced or given up altogether. The seventh and final characteristic of substance dependence is persistent use, although the person is knowledgeable on the negatives effects that the drugs influence their health, social and economic state (APA, 2000: pp38-57). . The diagnostic and statistical manual holds that people with an addictive problem demonstrate at least three of the aforementioned characteristics (APA, 2000: p62). People addicted to chemical substances such as drugs have constant craving and obsession for the substance (Shotton, 1991). Therefore, the person uses the substance more often than necessary in order to achieve a continuous state of intoxication. In addition, obsession with drugs reduces the interests and motivation for engaging in other normal activities leading to social isolation, and neglecting personal hygiene.