Is Drug Addiction the Same as Being Mentally Addicted?

Question by drainsight: is drug addiction the same as being mentally addicted?
hard drugs like cocaine and heroin the same as being mentally addicted to things like gambling or video games or is it a different feeling?

Best answer:

Answer by ktartist123
Yes. It activates similar pleasure parts of the brain, though hard drugs do cause physical withdrawal symptoms. Certain people have “addictive” personalities and are more likely to become addicted to certain activities, such as gambling and video games. If someone suspects they’re addicted to anything, they should seek counseling – a doctor can refer anyone to the appropriate therapist, etc.

Answer by NicoMach
It is natural for most to want to repeat any course of action that gives them pleasure. If it feels good, do it again and you will feel good again… Gambling and video games give people the rush of adrenaline, and that feels good, so we repeat it to get that same rush. However, just like any drug, you will need more and more to sate that same fixation over time. It’s considered an addiction only when it starts to interfere with everyday life functioning.

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