When we hear the word ‘addiction’, our mind wanders towards drugs and alcohol. In the US alone, alcoholism costs more than $250 billion a year and drug abuse is no less as well. These are two of the biggest problems out there, and there are several organizations trying to curb these addictions.
These addictions not only damage the person but damages the society as well since people under the influence are more prone to causing damages, such as accident etc.
While drug abuse and alcoholism may be the most common types of addictions, there are other addictions too that you crave for and are not even aware of. It is estimated than more than 20 million people in US alone are addicted to something.
Let’s have a look at 5 addictions that are still growing:
1.Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is a type of addiction that has spread worldwide. Infact, several addictions like watching movies, playing online games, chatting, using Facebook, all trace back to the advent of the Internet.
People who are internet addicts spend hours on the computers and literally waste their time on unimportant things rather than doing something useful.
It was very recently that this addiction was officially classified as an addiction, as until recently using the internet was only considered a hobby.
This addiction not only affects their personal lives but others lives too, as addicts begin to spend less time among friends and families and are also distracted from their daily routine.
2.Gambling Addiction
Every individual dreams to become rich. While working hard is one way to do it, gambling is another.
Gambling is on a rise and you can find gambling addicts in every corner, thanks to online gambling which is now legal even in some parts of the US.
Years ago, people only had the luxury to gamble at casinos but now they can gable at homes and even on the street on their cell phones.
Slot machines, bingo, blackjack, lottery tickets and many other gambling games are a center of attraction today.
Gambling is an addiction and people who step into the world of gambling, usually get addicted to it. While some earn fortunes in a night, some are left broke.
3.Gaming Addiction
Many parents are found complaining that their children being addicted to gaming. Parents are concerned because kids and even some adults waste their valuable time playing games.
According to reports, playing video games has its benefits too, but if you play more than two hours a day, then it can turn into an addiction and start to have negative consequences.
A study found that adults too, are becoming addicted to gaming. More than 44% gamers are found to be aged between 19-49 years old.
The glittering graphics and innovative technology in gaming has made the gaming addiction reach new heights.
4.Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is one the most common types of addiction in the US and around the globe. Drugs are being sold everywhere, despite most of them being illegal in most parts of the world.
Weed addiction is one of the most common addiction out there as weed is highly in demand and is said to be easily available as well. However, the use of other drugs is common as well.
5.Alcohol Addiction
It is common for people to get addicted to alcohol. What starts as a hobby usually turns into an addiction with dire consequences.
According to the WHO, alcohol is the main reason for getting diseases and more than 60 kinds of diseases are found in people who are addicted to alcohol.
This addiction slows down your mental functionality and impacts not just your body but your mind as well.
Conclusion
These are five addictions that are still at large and have been damaging the society for many years. If there’s a person you know who is addicted to one of these things, then try to talking them out of it.
Robert Alleson