A compulsive type of personality is easy to fall for a varied number of types of addictions without recognizing or even understanding what's going on with them. For those with a compulsive behavior, nothing can be destructive enough, all they see is their need for whatever they are addicted to.

The first step is to understand exactly what is an addiction and how not only what we know for hard drugs can be considered addictive substances. For the compulsive mind anything that can overstimulate the pleasure center in the brain can become an addiction. Any habit or substance that will give that compulsive individual the feeling he/she has found "home" will be a strong candidate to become an addiction.

One can be addicted to hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, methamphetamine and so on. The need for these chemicals begins to fill the individual with an emotional necessity for the consumption of such substances and slowly it progresses to a chemical and physiological need. The body tends to believe it won't go on without such substance so the periodical use and then abuse becomes imminent. These types of addiction are very similar to the alcohol and prescription drug abuse. One may think it's socially acceptable to be with a glass of alcohol in their hands making it hard for anyone to tell them otherwise. Addiction to prescription drugs can be just as elusive, leading one to believe it's OK to abuse their prescription drugs since they "need" to do so.

Addictions can also fall into different categories like internet, gambling and even sex. A compulsive mind can't see the difference between the use and abuse of anything.

The symptoms of a person with addictive behavior seem to be the same in any case or situation. Usually the person under severe compulsions begin to slowly turn unable to meet their responsibilities in work or within the family. They start to engage in dangerous behavior, doing anything they need for one more "kick" or high, or a little bit more time doing whatever they are addicted to. When approached by a loved one, they deny their addictions entirely and turn to denial or violent manners to keep everyone away. Sometimes the addicted subject might admit they need help but even although they might try to seek treatment, their efforts turn out to be useless.

If the family has a history of drug abuse or compulsive behavior in the family, the habit can seem even harder to break, but with the right help and support from all of those who care about the addicted person, they can get out of this situation.

Because forcing someone to go under treatment can be even worse for the recovery, the family and friends must be there so the addicted person won't lose their structure and find a way out of the addiction. It's hard for the compulsive mind to admit they're doing something wrong and risk losing their clutches, that's when the family and friends can come in as decisive factor in the recovery.