Nobody who takes prescription painkillers wants to become addicted to them, but many people who take them end up in this situation. Not all prescription painkillers have the potential to become addictive, so if you are at risk of addiction it may be a good idea to stick to non-narcotic painkillers. 

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Now that summer is over, many people rush to indoor tanning salons to avoid losing their summer glow. However, in recent years another explanation as to why people rush to indoor tanning has emerged. Exposing one’s skin the UV rays may be addictive. As with alcohol, not everyone who is exposed to UV radiation becomes dependent, but there are enough UV abusers to warrant a new medical diagnostic category: tanning addiction. 

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The best way to determine whether or not you are dealing with a psychological problem is to ask yourself a simple question, "Do you feel like you are in control of your own life?" Psychological problems almost always deal with the subject of control. Addiction is about being unable to control your impulses. Depression and anxiety are about being unable to control your emotions. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is about being unable to control your thoughts. 

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Some people may not consider eating disorders to be a serious problem, but this is anything but the case. Eating disorders among teens are often held in check by parents and support systems. For this reason, the college years are a time when many people discover just how serious their eating disorder is. Eating disorders are not only a sign of emotional problems that need to be addressed, they also pose a serious health risk. 

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Shopping is one of the most popular American activities, but for some people it crosses the line into addiction. This can sound like a bit of a joke to some people, but the reality can actually become quite serious. Compulsive shoppers may quickly find themselves on the way toward financial ruin. 

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Besides academic success, one of the top things parents worry about when sending a child off to college is binge drinking. Will the child, who is now an adult, make good decisions about drinking when surrounded by his or her peers? The facts about binge drinking show it is a serious problem on most college campuses.  

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Drug addictions and mental health disorders are challenging to treat on their own, but many people suffer both at the same time. This is called a dual disorder diagnosis. The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration reports that half of the 2 million Americans with severe mental illness also have drug or alcohol disorders as well. 

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The common saying goes there's no such thing as too much of a good thing. However, while exercise is usually good for you, too much can damage your body and mind. If exercise becomes a compulsive behavior disorder, it can be hard to change your behavior without help. 

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Caffeine is one of the most-consumed substances in the world, especially in North America. The mood-altering drug comes from several plants, and in the U.S., adults drink about 280 milligrams of caffeine a day, which equals 84 ounces of soft drinks or 17 ounces of coffee. However, people are becoming aware of the health risks associated with caffeine and starting to cut back or eliminate the substance entirely from their diets. 

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Support from those whom you are close to is necessary when coping with a life crisis. Healthy family relationships are important to maintain because they provide a source of support that can last a lifetime, and one day your help may need to be reciprocated among those who helped you in time of need. 

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Addiction does anything but create a balanced lifestyle. When you are coping with an addiction, you focus solely on that addiction and little else. Creating a balanced schedule helps you shift your focus away from the addiction or disruptive behavior. The same is true if you are suffering from depression or any other behavioral disorder. There is a sense of chaos and unpredictability that compounds the stress of addiction and blocks the road to recovery. Finding balance is a big part of addiction recovery. This gives you a specific focus. A balanced schedule helps bring more balance to your life. 

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