Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive (meaning that it gets worse as time goes by) disease that negatively impacts a person’s ability to breathe. COPD sufferers often experience symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, as well as other symptoms that are uncomfortable both physically and psychologically for those who suffer from it.

As we age, many of our functions gradually decline. Unfortunately, one of those functions is our hearing. Being able to hear sounds is crucial; it warns us of danger, enables us to maintain social relationships, and allows us to enjoy music. Currently, 15% of people in America ages 20 and up suffer from “moderate or greater” hearing loss. This number is expected to rise as the population ages.

Alcohol is deadly. There’s no other way to put it. In the short term, alcohol has been shown to negatively impact sleep, it can destroy personal relationships, it can decimate your savings account and it can cause major weight fluctuations. The long-term effects are much more grim.

According to The World Health Organization, there are officially more than 12,420 different, documented diseases in the world. Most of us, especially in this part of the world, have it narrowed down to just a few.

Although drug addiction and alcoholism are the addictions most people are familiar with, they’re not the only addictions that can ruin lives. In addition to alcohol and drugs, there’s tobacco and even addictive behaviors like eating, shopping and gambling that can have disastrous health, social, legal and financial consequences.

Whether it’s the back alley, the club district or the boardroom, addictive substances are everywhere. At one point or another, you’re bound to come across at least one or two of the items on this list. So, pay attention, educate yourself, and consider yourself warned.