People often pass off addictions to things other than drugs and alcohol, and perhaps gambling, as 'not real' addictions. Got a shopping addiction? Surely, you're just a selfish spendthrift. Addicted to Facebook? The verdict: You must be an egomaniac, or sad and lonely loser. Addicted to a relationship? I think someone's needy! People don't seem to treat every addiction with the same compassion or gravity. But we must always have an open mind, and remember that our own experience of the world is never the same as anyone else's. We shouldn't judge people when we don't know their backstory or how they feel. Especially when that's exactly the kind of treatment we want from others as well if you are suffering from an addiction silently. Because there is a secret about addiction that barely anyone knows, only dedicated 'addiction scientists' and a handful of therapists, who deal with many types of addiction every day.