While it may seem now that anything and everything can be addictive, one must remember the basic criteria for addictions. Certainly anything can be taken to excess, but that alone doesn't make a substance or a behavior addictive.

With that in mind, there are other behaviors that are now thought to have the potential for addiction.

Work Addiction

Work addiction, otherwise known as workaholism, has yet to be adequately researched. Therefore, there is not a clear or complete understanding of how this disorder affects a person psychologically and physiologically.

A workaholic may suffer depression, anxiety, anger, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system resulting from the chronic stress he experiences. There are typically three stages of workaholism. In the early stage, the person is constantly busy and can't say no to extra work. He will put in many extra hours without pay and feels stressed at the thought of taking time off.

The middle stage of workaholism finds the person becoming emotionally more attached to his work than to family, friends, or other interests. He may begin to notice physical problems such as insomnia or weight loss as he invests more of himself in his work. In the final stage, the workaholic will begin to experience more serious physical, emotional, and social problems. He may develop chronic headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers, depression, anxiety, and so forth.

Like other addictions, work addiction often develops as an attempt to cope with emotional pain or low self-esteem. The adrenaline rush one feels as a result of successfully meeting a demanding deadline is very reinforcing. Unlike most other addictions, which often thrive in secrecy, work addiction derives much of its reinforcement from public praise, promotions, and bonuses.

Work addiction is a progressive disorder that worsens with time. A solid work ethic is commendable, but the following signs may indicate that someone is slipping into work addiction.

• Relationships with family and friends become strained or broken.

• Health problems develop and progress.

• A work addict often becomes obsessed with control and power. She may become rigid and inflexible in her work habits.

• Productivity at work eventually suffers. As the work addict takes on more to do, she is less able to organize and utilize coworkers to help with the load. Work quality diminishes.

• Frustration mounts and the work addict reaches the place where no amount of work or success is enough to fulfill her need for emotional peace and security.

Developing balance in one's life is the key to recovery. A person may not be able to achieve this balance without help and guidance. A physician's care will be necessary to manage the physical complications of work addiction. Under the physician's supervision, the work addict will need to cultivate healthy eating and exercise regimes. Getting adequate rest and nurturing one's spiritual health will also be helpful.

Social interaction is important. For the work addict, it may take intentional planning to balance his social life with his work life. Personal health and well-being along with satisfying family relationships will give the addict the personal peace he's been craving. At work, the addict may benefit from a personal coach who can help with organization, setting appropriate goals, pacing the work, and establishing healthy productive relationships with coworkers. Workaholics Anonymous is a 12-step program that can also provide support for the work addict.

Shoplifting Addiction

An addiction to shoplifting is more common than one might think. In fact, it has been estimated by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention that one out of eleven individuals in the United States has engaged in shoplifting.

Someone who is addicted to shoplifting cares very little about what he steals. A shoplifting addict steals because he enjoys a sense of euphoria from the act of stealing without being caught. A person who is addicted to shoplifting often throws the items away or gives them to friends or family members. It is common for someone with a shoplifting addiction to also have other addictions, such as gambling, food, or substance addictions. He may also suffer from a co-occurring mental health problem.

A shoplifting addiction is very different from theft. Ordinary theft may be planned or impulsive. Theft is deliberate and is motivated by the usefulness or monetary value of the item stolen. The following list contains indications that a person's shoplifting may be addictive:

• She may lose time from work, school, or family activities because of the shoplifting.

• Shoplifting may be creating problems in relationships.

• She will feel a “rush” or sense of euphoria after shoplifting.

• Shoplifting may be motivated by emotional upsets, frustrations, or arguments and is done to soothe herself.

• Shoplifting is typically a secret activity, even from those closest to the shoplifter.

• She will continue the activity in spite of the legal consequences, a damaged reputation, or broken relationships. In fact, the urge to shoplift will increase, as it is a progressive disorder.

• She will be consumed with thinking about it, planning for it, and engaging in the activity.

As with many other addictive disorders, a 12-step group has been developed specific to the problem of shoplifting. Cleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous (CASA) is a support group committed to using the 12-step approach to helping a shoplifting addict achieve recovery. Individual psychotherapy may be helpful in treating underlying contributing factors that promote the addiction.

If there are coexisting mental health problems, they will need to be treated by a professional mental health care provider. This will help with recovery from shoplifting addiction as well. Multiple problems will need a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment.