Monday, September 17, 2018

The Many Faces of Addiction

How do you define addiction?

Addiction is generally characterized as substance abuse. It is often assumed or associated with the addict sticking a needle in their arm or worse. However, it goes much deeper than that.  Most people in our society do not realize that they are just as addicted as the person using drugs.  Addiction expresses itself in a number of ways.  I recently read an article that defines other types of addiction.  One definition that stands out is the one given for behavioral addiction, “an overwhelming desire to engage in a particular behavior or action, having a total lack of control over one's behavior.   Addiction was also defined as having a compulsive or obsessive nature; meaning that an individual will continue behaving in a negative manner despite impending doom or dire consequences.  Regardless of whether the activities we participate in are considered acceptable by many standards and not really harmful, it becomes easy to overlook the damage caused.  Sure, lots of people overeat, but are they addicted to food; in most cases, yes.   We have all heard the saying, “eat to live and live to eat,” right?  How does that play out in addition?  Well, eating is something we all must do to survive. Food is the essential nourishment of the body.  However, when we gorge ourselves eating way past the point of satiation not knowing when to quit or being unable to stop, is an addiction.  

The feelings are relatively the same whether its food, drugs, shopping for clothes and shoes, smoking, watching TV, or working.  There is a definite line of demarcation that falls between addictive and “normal” patterns of behavior.  Being obsessed or acting compulsively if often seen or described as being passionate or spontaneous, which are healthy traits. However, when obsession and compulsion begin to negatively affect parts of your life that would otherwise be productive, you have moved into the realm of addiction.  
Watching too much TV can plague your life and as a result your home, family, and friends or left feeling neglected.  Working long hours without taking a much-needed break throughout the course of your day will cause health issues and more.  Losing track of time while engaged in some obsessive or compulsive behavior can cause miss appointments, bills to go unpaid or that pot of food to burn, and so much more.  It is sometimes very difficult to bring the focus back to what you’re actually supposed to be doing.  Addicts spent enormous amounts of time being caught up in whatever they're doing while everything suffers around them.  
When this happens you know it’s an addiction and it has nothing to do with drugs. Individuals who suffer from obsessive or compulsive behavioral traits are more likely to fall under the influence of drug addiction; however, it is not the norm.  Going through life unaware of addictive behavior patterns or character defects that lead to emotional, mental, and spiritual deprivation over time will result in an even greater loss if not recognized.  I have linked an article to the title above which talks more extensively about this subject.  I found it to be very interesting and helpful. “Adrienne Vanterpool”


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