A person with an addiction has a strong desire to do something or to have a certain substance such as tobacco. Their obsession will cause them to continuously use the substance even when they can recognise it will harm their quality of life. When trying to stop using the substances they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Because of this the majority of people are unable to quit the addiction and will use them again, however, the withdrawal symptoms, themselves, are not physically dangerous.
Because of its rich, sweet taste and smooth texture, chocolate is a very desirable attractant and eating chocolate can cause a unique sensory experience which stimulates to release certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system that induce feelings of pleasure.
These chemicals produced include dopamine and serotonin which both enhance a good mood. Chocolate contains precursor substances to serotonin such as tyramine and tryptophan. High serotonin level can cause feelings of excitement. Withdrawal symptoms of chocolate include cold sweats, disorientation and depression.
Consuming sugar produces similar effects to chocolate, evoking dopamine that causes a sensation of wellness and feeling good. Over consumption of sugar can lead to negative consequences and cause problematic health issues.
Common sign of sugar dependence are:
If you visit the sweet section in stores regularly
If you reward yourself to sweets without a good reason
If you have an inability to stop eating sugary products
When you stop eating sugar, you will develop withdrawal symptoms including anxiety and depression. When sugar is removed from your diet there may be a higher tendency to use alcohol.
The most common sources of caffeine are coffee, tea leaves, some energy drinks, kola nuts and cocoa beans. Caffeine has a stimulating ability on the brain and regular intake of caffeine can cause an addiction.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms are headaches, sleepiness or insomnia, irritability, lack of energy, anxiety, depression, muscle pain and stiffness, brain fog, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
Nicotine dependence is another common addiction. Once started smoking, only one in four people stop themselves. Nicotine diffuses through to the bloodstream through which it is instantly transported to the brain and increases the release of chemicals that can cause a happy feeling. However continuous smoking can cause damage to the brain, heart, arteries, skin, lungs and etc. It can also be a cause of heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
Nicotine withdrawal is mostly unpleasant and symptoms are irritability and anger, restlessness, depression, insomnia, tobacco craving, weight gain, dizziness and headaches.