Abuse of other substances and situations can develop into destructive patterns as well. Compulsive eating and spending, or even unchecked use of caffeine, cigars, and cigarettes may offer temporary relief in exchange for long-term deterioration. The first, and often most-difficult, step towards true relief is recognizing the problem and acknowledging the need for help. Sometimes the addictive behavior and its consequences are painfully apparent. Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or gambling results in consistently missed deadlines or court appearances.
Excessive caffeine intake significantly contributes to heart and digestive problems.
Even obvious outcomes of addictive behavior are often unseen by the addicted person. This denial locks the addicted into a downward spiral. Instead, the individual denies any symptoms of abuse and continues his or her use. The individual develops ego-defenses such as rationalization, denial, and euphoric recall to avoid facing the embarrassment and shame that would otherwise follow each bout of use. If an attorney you care about needs help recognizing his or her destructive habits, encourage that person to seek professional assistance.