10 Most Common Legal Addictions

Tap to Read ➤ Jyoti Babel

Have you ever wondered about addictions that are not illegal? Yes, there are quite a few of them. Here is a list of the top 10 most common legal addictions.

Did You Know?

Prescription drug addiction and abuse has increased significantly over the last few years, and is now classified an epidemic .

The Oxford dictionary defines addiction as ' the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity' . The word 'addiction' has been so overused with drugs, that whenever we hear it we associate it with drugs. However, there are many other types of addiction that are prevalent in society today, and many of them are legal.

The government won't punish or penalize you for being addicted to these, and there are some that they might even encourage because of the revenue they generate for the economy. However, we should understand that addiction of any kind, legal or not, is not good for you in the long run.

If you are wondering what are the most common legal addictions are, fret not, we have compiled a list for you, that is sure to surprise you.

Disclaimer: The mentioned particulars are for information purpose only. We do not encourage or promote any kind of addiction, legal or not.

Prescription Drugs Prescription drug addiction may sound weird, but you may be surprised to know that an estimated 48 million people have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.

This amounts to about 20% of the US population. Addiction to prescription drugs may not be intentional. Sometimes, people get so used to having their prescription medicines, that if they don't have it they feel uneasy. Compulsive prescription drug addicts might even have to seek professional help to get rid of it.

Cigarettes The nicotine in cigarettes is a highly addictive substance. That is why any smoker has a hard time giving it up.

All cigarettes come with a statutory warning, but that doesn't deter people from smoking. Many people claim that smoking cigarettes acts as a stress reliever for them. Research shows that smoking one cigarette reduces 14 seconds of your life span, and increases the chances of respiratory problems.

Alcohol People consider it okay if you start drinking after you attain the legal age to drink. But prolonged and excessive use has proved to have very harmful effects on the body.

It can even become self-destructive and dangerous if you cannot control your urge to drink. It can actually become very difficult for one to understand when they crossed their limit of drinking, and if you are drinking to cope with a difficult situation, then you are already treading in dangerous territory.

Internet Today, the Internet has become an important part of our life. We go on the Internet to search for information, to chat and interact with people, read news, etc. Do you feel weird when you don't have your Internet fix for the day?

Do you have the overwhelming desire to be online all the time? If you are feeling such signs, then maybe you are addicted to the Internet. For the Internet to remain an important resource, we must learn to use it judiciously.

Playing Computer/Video Games Do you like to stay in the world of computer or video games for endless hours?

Can you stay in your room with your laptop and your virtual buddies, and not bother about what is happening in the real world? If you can relate to such instances, then surely you are showing signs of addiction to computer/video games. Excessive gaming can actually deter you from becoming a productive member of the society.

Watching Television We all have televisions at home. In fact, for many - like the elderly or disabled - it is the only way of entertainment. But watching television can also be harmfully addictive.

Try cutting the cable subscription for a month, and you will find that people start suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Even though television is just visual simulation, it is still worthwhile to create a schedule, so you don't get addicted to it.

Gambling Gambling can be highly destructive and addictive. People who start gambling keep doing so in the hope of winning a big jackpot one day. However, most of the time they end up busted.

Gambling can be in many forms - like playing poker at a casino, playing cards with friends, etc. It is not advisable to waste your hard-earned money on gambling just to test your luck.

Celebrity Gossip There are people who just cannot get enough of tabloid journalism. Many people are fixated with the lifestyle of the rich and famous, and want to know every bit about it.

They stalk celebrities on social media and spend a lot of time reading magazines and celebrity gossip websites. It's not illegal to be obsessed with celebrity gossip but it's not worth to spend so much of your time in such pursuits. If you think you have the symptoms of celebrity gossip addictions, it is time you give a serious thought of getting out of it.

Fast Food Addiction to fast food is growing rapidly these days, especially among kids who are most eager and happy to have a burger, fries, and coke for lunch. Have you ever wondered why people get addicted to fast food?

Often, fast foods are loaded with chemicals that are greasy and fattening and are made from artificial substitutes. But, people still eat them as they taste good. Even though they are conveniently available 24/7, fast foods pose a great health risk. So if you feel that you have been eating fast food very frequently, chances are that you are addicted to it.

Shopping Shopping is something we all do. We shop for grocery, clothes, electronics, books, etc., and that is perfectly normal.

But, when you start buying out of obsession, it becomes an addiction. Many people feel allured by the sales in shopping centers and shop till their pockets are empty. In fact, if they are credit card owners, they end up in the bottomless pit of debt. If a person shops compulsively, chances are strong that he is suffering from 'compulsive buying disorder'.

No one will put you behind bars for shopping when you have the money, but it is always advisable to spend as per your financial capability. That will save you from falling into bigger crises in the future.

This was a list of some of the most common addictions that are legal. The truth is that most people suffer from these addictions, but are blissfully unaware of it.

While being addicted to shopping and celebrity gossip does not seem as bad as alcohol addiction, in the long run it can be just as devastating. If you think you are suffering from any of these addictions, it is better to seek help immediately.