The Importance of Understanding Addiction
Addiction isn't a one-size-fits-all condition—different substances and behaviors can create unique challenges for each person that struggles with substance use disorder (SUD). These challenges and symptoms require specialized understanding and treatment approaches to ensure lasting recovery.
This comprehensive addiction types guide will help you recognize the various forms of addiction, understand their specific characteristics, and discover evidence-based treatment options.
When you know better, you heal better. Understanding your specific type of addiction in this addiction types guide is the first step toward effective recovery.
Find Health and Healing at Arista Recovery
At Arista Recovery in Paola and Overland Park, we've seen how proper education about addiction types transforms recovery outcomes. Our drug and alcohol rehab team works hard with every patient that comes through our doors to ensure that they get the supportive help they deserve for comprehensive recovery.
Recovery begins now with knowledge, compassion, and the right support system on your side.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic medical condition that changes an individual’s brain function and behavior, making it difficult for them to control substance use or compulsive behaviors despite harmful consequences.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 20 million Americans aged 12 and older have a substance use disorder. However, addiction extends beyond substances, as it can also include behavioral patterns that activate the same reward pathways in the brain.1
Integrated Treatment for Recovery
This addiction types guide emphasizes a crucial point: different addictions require different treatment approaches. For example, what works for alcohol addiction may not be effective for gambling addiction or opioid dependence.
Our team at Arista Recovery provides evidence-based care that is delivered with heart, meaning we combine scientific understanding of addiction types with compassionate, individualized treatment at our Paola and Overland Park locations.
Understanding what you are struggling with can help you and your treatment team create the most effective recovery plan possible.
Addiction Types Guide: Most Common Types of Addiction
There are several types of addiction an individual may struggle with—some of the most common among them include:
Substance Use Disorder: A General Overview
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction affects approximately 28.3 million Americans aged 12 and older.2 Because alcohol is both legal and widely accepted in society, it's often underestimated—yet it's one of the most dangerous substances when misused.
Common signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Drinking alone or in secret.
- Being unable to limit alcohol consumption.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
- Continuing to drink despite health, legal, or relationship problems.
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, requiring medical supervision during detox.3
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Opioid Addiction
The opioid crisis has devastated communities across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. In Kansas alone, over half of the 600+ drug-related overdose deaths in 2021 involved synthetic opioids, which includes prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl.4
Some of the most prevalent opioid addiction characteristics you may notice in yourself or a loved one include:
- Rapid development of tolerance
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- High risk of fatal overdose
- Often begins with legitimate medical prescriptions
At Arista Recovery, we’re committed to healthier, happier communities—one individual at a time.
Signs of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Stimulant Addiction
Stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications like Adderall. These substances increase alertness and energy but can also cause severe health complications, such as:
- Hyperactivity followed by crashes
- Rapid weight loss
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Cardiovascular problems
Stimulant addiction often requires specialized treatment that addresses both the physical dependence and underlying mental health challenges.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are prescribed for anxiety but can create dependence quickly. Some of the most common warning signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Taking more than prescribed.
- Doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions.
- Anxiety when medication wears off.
- Memory problems and confusion.
Cannabis Use Disorder
While often considered less harmful, cannabis can create dependence, especially with today's high-potency products. About 9% of those who ingest cannabis in some way will develop an addiction.5
Signs of cannabis use disorder include:
- Smoking or ingesting more than intended.
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit.
- Spending significant time obtaining or taking cannabis.
- Continued use despite problems.
Addiction Types Guide: Behavioral Addictions
Behavioral addictions are compulsive behaviors that activate the brain's reward system in a way that is similar to substances, creating patterns that are difficult to control.6
This addiction types guide will explain the following common types of behavioral addiction:
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction affects as many as 10 million Americans and can lead to financial ruin, relationship destruction, and severe mental health problems.7
Some common signs of gambling addiction include:
- Betting more and more money, even if you don’t have enough.
- Restlessness when trying to cut back.
- Lying about gambling activities.
- Chasing losses with more gambling.
Internet and Gaming Addiction
Excessive internet or gaming use can interfere with daily life, relationships, and responsibilities. This addiction type has increased dramatically with smartphone and social media use in recent years.8
Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction consists of compulsively engaging in online or in-person shopping, despite financial consequences and the potential hoarding of items. This behavioral pattern often stems from emotional regulation difficulties.9
Food Addiction
Food addiction often involves the compulsive consumption of certain foods, particularly those high in sugar and fat. This can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health complications.10
Behavioral addictions often affect entire family systems and require comprehensive treatment approaches to ensure that both the individual and their loved ones get the help they need.
Addiction Types Guide: Co-Occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
In 2019, SAMSHA reported that approximately 9.5 million adults have both a substance use disorder and mental illness. This combination, called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, significantly complicates treatment.11
There are many ways that these disorders can interact, but some common diagnoses we see at Arista Recovery include:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Treating only the addiction or mental health while ignoring symptoms of the other disorder often leads to higher relapse rates. That’s why integrated treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously consistently produces better outcomes.12
Addiction Types Guide & Dual Diagnosis Care at Arista Recovery
At Arista Recovery in Kansas, our dual diagnosis program treats both addiction and mental health conditions concurrently, recognizing that lasting recovery requires healing the whole person.
Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team is here to ensure that you or your loved one get the care and support you deserve during the recovery process, and our addiction types guide can help you take the next step.
Addiction Types Guide: Risk Factors That Contribute to Addiction
Understanding the potential risk factors of addiction can help explain why some people develop addiction while others don't.
Here’s what you need to know:
Genetic and Biological Factors
Genetics account for 40%- 60% of addiction risk.13 Additionally, family history of substance use disorders significantly increases an individual's vulnerability to developing addiction.14
Brain development also plays a role. The adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to addiction, as decision-making areas aren't fully developed until the mid-twenties.15
Addiction Types Guide: Psychological Risk Factors
Psychological risk factors for developing addiction often include underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma, which individuals may attempt to self-medicate. Personality traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, or a history of poor coping skills also increase vulnerability.
Additionally, cognitive distortions or a lack of emotional regulation can make individuals more susceptible to relying on substances to manage difficult feelings or situations.
Addiction Types Guide: Environmental Influences
Some social and environmental factors that may point towards an individual being more susceptible to SUD include:
- Family dysfunction or substance use
- Peer pressure and social norms
- Easy access to substances
- High-stress environments
- Lack of social support
Gene-environment interactions also show that genetic risk factors become more potent in high-risk environments, which explains why comprehensive treatment must address both biological vulnerabilities and environmental triggers.
Treatment Options at Arista Recovery
We provide evidence-based care delivered with heart, which means we use proven treatment methods while recognizing that each person's addiction requires individualized attention.
Recovery happens in a community, so we work with you to cultivate a culture of safety, support, and healing – every step of the way during your recovery journey.
Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management
Our Paola drug rehab provides 24/7 medical supervision during detox for various types of addiction.
While different substances require different withdrawal protocols – for example, alcohol and benzodiazepine detox require careful medical monitoring due to seizure risks while stimulant detox focuses on managing depression and fatigue – we ensure that you get the care you need.
Addiction Types Guide: Comprehensive Treatment Programming
Our full continuum of care includes:
- Residential Treatment: Intensive, 24/7 care in our Paola drug rehab for severe addiction types requiring maximum support.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Full-day treatment while still allowing you to live at home, perfect for stepping down from residential care.
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Flexible programming at our Overland Park location for people maintaining work or family responsibilities.
No matter what you need, our team will work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses all of your symptoms.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We use several proven therapeutic approaches for all addiction types, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps identify and change thought patterns that lead to addictive behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This teaches emotional regulation skills that are crucial for recovery.
- Trauma-Informed Care: This addresses underlying trauma that often contributes to addiction.
Evidence-based treatments have been rigorously treated and tested in recovery, meaning you get the utmost of care during your time with us.
Addiction Types Guide: Innovative Therapeutic Approaches
While evidence-based care forms the basis of our treatment, we also recognize the importance of integrating holistic approaches into the healing process.
Some holistic interventions we may integrate into your treatment include:
- Equine Therapy: This builds trust and emotional awareness through horse interactions.
- Art Therapy: This provides creative outlets for expressing difficult emotions.
- Horticulture Therapy: This teaches patience and nurturing through gardening activities.
We’re here to help you heal—mind, body, and spirit.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For specific substance use disorders we’ve mentioned in this addiction types guide, MAT can be life-saving. This treatment consists of utilizing FDA-approved medications to help stabilize brain chemistry while individuals engage in therapy and recovery work.
MAT is most commonly used for opioid addiction and alcohol addiction.
Addiction Types Guide: Importance of Education in Recovery
When you know more about what you’re struggling with, you heal better. Education about addiction types empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about treatment and recovery.
Research shows that education significantly impacts addiction outcomes. For example, higher educational attainment correlates with lower addiction rates, while educational programs in treatment settings improve long-term recovery success.16
Patient Education and Empowerment
Understanding your specific symptoms helps you:
- Recognize personal triggers and warning signs.
- Develop appropriate coping strategies.
- Make informed decisions about treatment options.
- Communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
Continuous education throughout recovery and during the aftercare process keeps individuals updated on new treatment advances and helps them adapt their recovery strategies as needed.
Family Education and Support
Family education is crucial during treatment, as it helps loved ones understand addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.
Family education benefits from our Kansas treatment offerings include:
- Improved communication and relationships.
- Better support for recovery efforts.
- Reduced enabling behaviors.
- Enhanced family coping skills.
At Arista Recovery, our family integration program ensures that your entire support system understands your specific addiction type and how to provide effective support.
Addiction Types Guide: Take the Next Step with Arista Recovery
No matter what type of addiction you're facing, our multidisciplinary recovery team wants you to know that recovery begins now with the right support and treatment approach.
At Arista Recovery, we understand the complexities of different addiction types and provide comprehensive care that addresses your unique needs.
From our medical detox services in Paola to our flexible outpatient programs in Overland Park, we offer the full spectrum of care needed for lasting recovery.
We can’t wait to help you feel like yourself again.
Find Support With Our Team and Addiction Types Guide
Our team includes addiction specialists, medical professionals, and therapists who understand how different addiction types require different treatment approaches.
By providing treatment to those in Kansas and the surrounding states, we work hard to provide the healing and supportive care that everyone deserves.
Recovery begins now – and it starts with understanding that you deserve comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses your unique addiction type and circumstances.
Together, We Can Create a Life You Love
After reading this addiction types guide, connect with us to learn how our evidence-based, family-centered approach can help you overcome any type of addiction and build the life you deserve.
When you're ready to heal, we're ready to help. Let this addiction types guide be the first step toward your recovery journey with Arista Recovery.
Resources
- https://drugabusestatistics.org/
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/
- https://www.dea.gov/engage/operation-engage-kansascity
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6223748/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3164585/
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/news/march-is-pgam-2025
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6198588/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361269722_The_Role_of_Emotion_Regulation_on_Compulsive_Shopping_of_Clothing
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/food-addiction
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR090120.htm
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3753025/
- https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/genes/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9731175/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621648/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2393553/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK601484/
