Addiction is a Myth: It’s Just a Label
Addiction is often portrayed as an unstoppable force, a demon that takes control of one’s life. But let’s get real: addiction is not a tangible “thing” we can examine under a microscope. Unlike a virus, addiction is simply a term we use to describe a set of behaviors that become compulsive.
What Do You Consider an Addiction?
Think about your daily habits: drinking coffee, brushing your teeth, showering. Would you experience withdrawal if you stopped these activities? Why is showering acceptable while scrolling on TikTok or watching adult content isn’t? The lines aren’t as clear as we might think.
Reframing Addiction
Addiction is fundamentally a behavior disconnected from the need it tries to satisfy. For example, you might eat when you’re sad, watch TV when lonely, or turn to other activities when stressed. When the behavior aligns with the need, we stop once the need is met. When it doesn’t, we binge and return to the behavior repeatedly.
Functions of Addiction
Addiction isn’t just about the substance or behavior itself. It serves several roles in a person’s life, which often makes it hard to break free from. Here’s a closer look:
1. Numbing Pain Many turn to addictive behaviors as a way to escape physical or emotional pain. It’s a coping mechanism that offers temporary relief. For instance, someone might use alcohol or drugs to drown out feelings of sadness, anxiety, or trauma. This numbing effect, while momentarily helpful, often leads to a vicious cycle where the root cause of the pain remains unaddressed, and the individual becomes more dependent on the addictive behavior.
2. Escape Mechanism Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes the desire to escape from reality becomes all-consuming. Addictive behaviors provide an alternate reality, where the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life can be momentarily forgotten. Whether it’s binge-watching TV, excessive gaming, or substance use, these behaviors offer an escape route, though temporary, from the pressures of life. Not only are we escaping the overwhelming demands of life, but we’re also escaping ourselves if we don’t feel good about who we are. This dual escape makes addiction particularly hard to shake.
3. Delivering Joy Addiction can also be about seeking pleasure or joy. Dopamine, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormone, is released during pleasurable activities, creating a sense of euphoria. Whether it’s the thrill of gambling, the high from drugs, or the satisfaction from eating, these activities stimulate the brain’s reward system. The search for this pleasure can quickly become a relentless pursuit, overshadowing other aspects of life.
Understanding these functions is crucial for addressing and overcoming addictive behaviors. It’s not just about quitting the substance or behavior but finding healthier ways to fulfill these underlying needs.
Overcoming Addiction
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Heal the Pain: Address any trauma or anxiety that fuels the behavior.
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Improve Self-Perception: Work on self-worth to reduce the need to escape.
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Find Joy Without Substances: Teach the mind to experience joy independently.
By reading this far, you are already on your way to a better life. For more information or to sign up for my addiction recovery program, get in touch with me!