You know how some people can eat just one cookie, but another person has to eat the whole bag, or how some people can play video games for an hour or so, but some can't tear themselves away for days? Studies show that people who over indulge in something may not have control over their actions. They might have what is called an addictive personality.

Some people are mentally inclined to become addicted to things such as smoking, shopping, drugs, and gambling. Some people can buy a scratch ticket once in a while for fun, but a person with an addictive personality will buy rolls of them everyday. Even when they win they keep buying more, because it's not about winning, it's about the chase. 

Gary Zukav says on www.Oprah.com that an addict is someone who uses one particular behavior uncontrollably.  Gary also says, "beneath all addictions is the longing for power, to feel good, to feel loveable, to feel worthy of being alive." For many, their addictions can be so strong that it takes over their lives. Most addicts don't want to blow all of their money betting on a game, or gain ten pounds from eating a gallon of ice cream in one sitting, but while engaged in the act they are out of control.