Most people today think about addictions, and associate the word with a specific substance.

Substances such as alcohol, tobacco or other physical drugs.

However, in recent years scientists have spent more and more time trying to learn what's known as behavioral addictions. (or an overwhelming desire

to engage in particular behavior or action).

To an extent, some of the characteristics of substance addiction and behavioral addictions are the same, including lack of control over one's actions, compulsive or obsessive behavior and continuing to do something despite negative consequences.

For some addictions, through the action itself is considered socially acceptable, making it much harder to identify and deal with.

In fact, some of the most common things we do in our everyday lives are addictions and can easily slip by unnoticed.

The question is, where's the line between normal behavior and an addiction?

And how ca you tell the difference?

We'll cover the top 3 things modern society, maybe even you, are addicted to.

#1 The Food You're Allergic to may be addictions.

You actually become addicted to things you're allergic to.
Very strange indeed but it's pretty common and when you get down to the

science of it, it's easy to see that it works just like most other addictions.

The way it works is, when you eat a food that you're allergic to, your body releases endorphins, lifting your mood and making you feel very happy.

The chemical high you get from these endorphins can be addictive in the same way drugs can be.

As a result, you end up seeking out more of the foods in order to repeat the "high" process, which can end up becoming an addiction as you begin to subconsciously associate the foods with good feelings.

#2 Most common addiction is Shopping.

Remember that one time a guy/gal called you a "shopaholic" because you'll hit the mall at the drop of a hat?

Well, it turns out that shopping addiction is a real thing and it affects about 1 in 20 people.

This addiction, also called onimania, can be destructive and not just to your bank account.

So, what happens and what do you get from compulsively shopping, other than a new pair of shoes.

What's going on is that shopping makes you feel good:

The body releases endorphins that stimulate the pleasure centers of your brain, making you happy and reinforcing your shopping habit.

There are many reasons for your brain to encourage that behavior, some of

which are sadness, depression and negative motions, giving meaning to the phrase "retail therapy".

How do you know that your shopping habit has spiraled out of control?

One of the most obvious signs is continually spending outside of your budget. Compulsive shoppers may have a spending limit in mind, but lack the self control to stay within it. It happens time and time again, not just once or twice.

Shopaholics also often convince themselves that they need the things they're buying, even if they don't. (sound like you?)

Shopping addictions even go to lengths to hide the evidence of their shopping, whether that means stashing the purchased merchandise or hiding the paper bank statements, fearing that others will make you feel guilty.

Last one is a weird one.

Skin Picking, either by picking, scratching, squeezing a zit, pulling at a hangnail...

It's all harmless right?

Dermatologists call this dermatological or pathological skin picking.

Some skin pickers use their fingernails and others even use implements like tweezers or pins.

Some addicted skin-pickers say they spend up to 12 hours a day picking their skin.

This disorder is not specific to one particular are of the body--- skin pickers might pick their hands, arms face and pretty much anywhere else,

though some people limit their compulsive behavior to one area of their body.

The majority of skin pickers tend to be women, but men can also be addicted to this behavior.

Like exercise, picking is sometimes associated with body dimorphic disorder, especially if the picking is related to grooming.