Anything can be addictive, but some stuff are more so than others. Aside from the usual culprits - drugs, alcohol, gambling - there is also work, exercise, sugar and yes, love.

The object of your want is not as relevant. Addiction is defined not by what you are addicted to, but rather by your relationship with the object of your desire.

The opposite of addiction is discipline. No one is denied his right to seek things that are pleasurable and satisfying--- this desire is deeply ingrained in our nature. But he is recommended to regulate his use so that at the end of the day, he does no harm to himself nor to other people.

How can you say that you have become addicted already? The following are some signs to look for:

a. Compulsion

This involves an inability to stop and manage a behavior. You indulge in a habit not because you want to but because you have to. The more you indulge, the less satisfying it feels, and consequently you seek for higher and stronger dosages of your guilty pleasure.

You feel restless, anxious and dissatisfied if you have to abstain. Consequently, the addiction serves a medicating purpose. You use stuff to make yourself feel better. When you are already dependent, you experience withdrawal symptoms (physical, mental and emotional) when you have to do without.

b. Denial

Addictions are characterized by denial. No addict will admit that he has a problem; after all, who wants to admit that they do not have control over their life?

An addict will try to maintain the illusion that he is still in charge. He may deny by saying explicitly that he has no problem or by not accepting the gravity of the situation. Denial is the main reason why addicts refuse help.

Examples of common denials are: I can stop if I want to, I am just a social drinker, This is my life, It does not affect anyone else, and I am entitled to have fun.

c. Negative Effects

An addiction always has negative consequences.

Since the addict feels compelled to follow his obsession, it's a priority above and beyond anything else. Often these effects are in areas of school and work performance, relationships and yes, threats to health and life.

A sure sign of addiction is the persistence of a habit despite negative consequences --- and despite best efforts to change and best intentions!

d. Progression

And lastly, addictions are progressive diseases; there is no other way to go but from bad to worse.

You will do things that you don't want to do, things you never imagined that you would do. It will take its toll on your body too to the point that eventually, addictions can become fatal.