Addiction is considered complex behavior. It can range from being addicted to simple things such as chocolate or to other much more harmful things like alcohol. In addition, there is a multitude of reasons why it happens. Often it is just a mask for other problems, a symptom rather than a cause if you like. Surprisingly, not all addictions are 'self cultivated'. It is not uncommon for people to become addicted to a prescribed drug for example. But, above all, one has to remembered that an addiction is not something that we have a choice in. In fact, we are under the control of whatever the addictive substance is. Some symptoms of addiction are: failure to cope with everyday life, failure to stop using or engaging in the addictive behavior even when it is known to carry risks and the need to continue becomes greater. Remember, that the first step in controlling addiction is to recognize that it exists.