A lot of individuals are struggling under the grasp of addictions. They are attached to what they are ashamed of and will never want to admit. An addiction is like an invincible master, controlling the affairs of a man's mind and dictating to him what he should do. A man, upon refusal to the voice of his addiction will not feel okay until he obeys. Addiction has ruined a lot of dreams and limited a lot of career. It always reduces the productivity of its subject.

According to wikipedia, addiction is thus defined

Addiction is the compulsive use of a substance or performance of a behavior that is independent of withdrawal.

From this definition, it can be deduced that addiction can be attached to two things

• To a substance

• To a behaviour

However, these two forms of addictions are closely related. A person may be addicted to a substance which affects his behaviors.

The effects of addictions can be hidden or obvious.

Effects which do not affect the appearance of a person could be categorized as hidden. For example, through data analysis, it is concluded that about 60% of males aged 25 or below are addicted to adult videos and/or masturbation. However, you can't easily tell if by a man's appearance if he's addicted to such things or not, but these folks knows how badly they are being affected in terms of productivity and social life.

Addictions like these may not create a wrong impression on people based on appearances. Only those very close to them will know of these. These kinds of addictions, though secret, are the most dangerous ones. This is because they do not find it easy to share the problem with someone else.

Another good example is addiction to betting. Betting is a game of luck which one must not be addicted to. Those who bet frequently are known to have constant shift in emotions. Those around them often suffer from the wrong moods when the lost the game.

One may be addicted to pressing phones, chatting unnecessarily or even playing games. These addictions are time wasters and they only reduce productivity and efficiency.

The second category is that which has obvious effects. These kind of addictions affect the type of people who move around them.

For example, addiction to alcoholic drink and to smoking will definitely affect the kind of friend that we live closely with such person. It is not because the person is bad or wicked but it is not just acceptable to sunset of people. A friend may be afraid of developing such habit due to closeness. This addictions are also very dangerous as it can affect the health and well being of a man. It is one which makes a man lose his mind if used abusively. It will eventually lead to wild and wasteful spending affecting the finance of the person in question. Without doubt, these addictions reduces productivity, sanity and efficiency and work or career. Relationships may break down as a result if not cautioned.

Overcoming an addiction is not an easy task. First of all, the addicted person must accept that he is addicted. This is the first step to freedom from any sort or kind of addiction.

Then, the person must handle it positively. The time used in doing those addictions must now be channeled towards other productive things. These involves focusing on productive positive things like making new friends, getting close to families, developing passion for productive things, avoiding being alone and always busy depending on the kind of addiction.

It will of course involve changing friends if the friends encourages the addiction. One must walk with friends that do not encourage those habits.

Most importantly, one must be consistent with his decision. It requires lots of self control and discipline. You must get tired of them to get them tired of you.