Not Just Drugs: Understanding the 4 Major Types of Addiction (and Why They’re All Serious)
Addiction is far more than just a chemical dependency—yet too often, our conversations limit it to drugs and alcohol. In truth, addiction can manifest in behaviors, emotions, and even relationships, whether it's chasing the next high, scrolling until your brain goes numb, or depending on chaos to feel alive. Addiction can hijack your life in more ways than one.
This guide breaks down the four core categories of addiction: substance, behavioral, process, and emotional—plus the complications of co-occurring addictions—and explains how to recognize and address them.
1. Substance Addiction: The Most Recognized—and Misunderstood
Substance use disorder (SUD) refers to compulsive drug or alcohol use despite harmful consequences. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this kind of addiction alters brain chemistry, particularly in the reward and impulse control systems.
Common substances: opioids, methamphetamines, alcohol, cocaine, benzodiazepines
Signs: tolerance, withdrawal, neglecting responsibilities, risky behavior
Withdrawal can be deadly without medical support
Fact: In 2021, over 46 million people in the U.S. had at least one substance use disorder.
Source: SAMHSA 2021 National Survey
2. Behavioral Addiction: When Actions Become Addictive
Behavioral addictions (also called process addictions) involve compulsive engagement in rewarding non-substance behaviors. Think of gambling, sex, shopping, or even social media.
These behaviors trigger dopamine surges similar to substance use
Often start as coping mechanisms for emotional pain or trauma
Can lead to financial ruin, broken relationships, or legal trouble
Fact: Gambling disorder is the only officially recognized behavioral addiction in the DSM-5, but others are being studied.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
3. Process Addiction: The Cycle of Compulsion and Shame
Often confused with behavioral addictions, process addictions are marked by compulsive engagement in specific routines or systems, like food, spending, gaming, or internet use.
Overeating and bingeing often overlap with emotional trauma
Tech and internet addiction may mirror obsessive-compulsive patterns
Usually involve impulse control issues, not just pleasure-seeking
Fact: Studies show that internet addiction can trigger structural brain changes similar to those seen in substance use disorders.
Source: Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2020
4. Emotional Addiction: The Hidden Obsession
This lesser-known type of addiction is not about substances or behaviors—it's about emotional patterns and attachments. People may become addicted to drama, codependent relationships, toxic dynamics, or even their own suffering.
Often rooted in childhood trauma, abandonment, or insecure attachment styles
May involve repeated pursuit of unavailable partners or chaos
Can fuel other addictions or block healing altogether
Note: Emotional addiction is not formally recognized in the DSM, but it's widely discussed in trauma-informed therapy and addiction circles.
Recommended Reading: “Facing Love Addiction” by Pia Mellody
Co-Occurring Addictions: The Double Bind
Many people suffer from more than one type of addiction at once. For example, someone with a substance use disorder may also have a gambling addiction or an emotionally addictive attachment to a toxic partner. This dual (or multiple) diagnosis increases the complexity of treatment and recovery.
Fact: Over 9 million adults in the U.S. experience both a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
Source: NAMI - Dual Diagnosis
How to Treat Addiction—Of Any Kind
Addiction is a chronic illness, not a moral failing. The longer it goes untreated, the more damage it causes. Thankfully, recovery is possible with the right approach:
Counseling and Therapy: CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care
Support Groups: 12-step, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery
Medication: When appropriate for withdrawal, cravings, or co-occurring conditions
Holistic Support: Nutrition, movement, spirituality, community
Recovery isn’t just about quitting the behavior—it’s about healing the pain that drove you there.
Recognize, Reframe, Recover
Addiction wears many faces. It can look like pills in a drawer, constant phone-checking, endless Amazon boxes, or refusing to leave a harmful relationship. But the common thread? A need to escape. A need to feel okay.
Recognizing that not all addictions are chemical can help you or a loved one get help before it’s too late. Understanding the entire picture is the first step toward compassionate and effective recovery.
About the Author
Jamie, a former addiction counselor and U.S. Army veteran, writes powerful fiction centered on substance abuse and mental health. She is the author of Memoirs of a Black Sheep and founder of Flawed By Design Publishing LLC, a woman- and veteran-owned business. She now helps others heal and grow through writing, coaching, and editing services.
Looking for an editor, writing coach, or publishing help?
Visit: FlawedByDesignllc.com