Health & Wellness: Addiction — The Many Ways It Shows Up

When most people hear the word addiction, they immediately think of drugs or alcohol.

But addiction isn’t always that obvious — and it doesn’t always come in a bottle.

I believe that at one point in my life, I was addicted to being needed.

I loved the feeling of helping others, especially when I could step in, solve a problem, and produce results. Being relied on made me feel valuable. Important. Seen. What I didn’t realize at the time was how easy it is for that need to quietly turn into dependency — not theirs, but mine.

And sure… I’ll admit it — I might also be a little addicted to leopard print. 😉

It’s my favorite “color,” my signature, my comfort. That one at least makes me smile.

But addiction can also be devastating.

Once upon a time, I was married to an alcoholic. His addiction didn’t just affect him — it slowly destroyed our marriage and deeply impacted our family. Years after our divorce, he lost his life to alcoholism. That loss stays with me, not just as grief, but as a reminder of how powerful addiction can be when left unchecked.

Understanding Addiction

From a health and wellness perspective, addiction generally falls into three main categories:

1. Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

These involve the compulsive use of substances that create physical dependence and harmful patterns.

Examples include alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, nicotine, and sedatives.

2. Behavioral or Process Addictions

These are compulsive behaviors that activate the brain’s reward system in ways similar to substances.

Examples include gambling, shopping, food, sex, and even excessive exercise.

3. Technology and Digital Addictions

A growing modern form of behavioral addiction involving compulsive use of devices and platforms.

Examples include social media, internet use, and video gaming.

The key takeaway is this:

Whether it’s a substance or a behavior, addiction hijacks the brain’s reward pathways and can quietly — or loudly — disrupt a person’s life.

The Addictions We Don’t Talk About Enough

Some addictions are socially praised.

Overworking.

Always rescuing.

Being the “strong one.”

Being needed at all costs.

These don’t always raise alarms — but they can drain the body, distort boundaries, and slowly erode well-being.

Health and wellness isn’t just about what we consume — it’s also about why we cling, and what we’re afraid to let go of.

A Gentle Reflection

Addiction doesn’t mean weakness.

It means something inside is seeking relief, validation, or comfort.

The work — the healing — begins with awareness.

And sometimes, the bravest thing we can do for our health is ask:

What am I attached to — and why?