So What Is an Addiction Actually?
Simply put, an addiction is a behavior, whether it be drug use, smoking, shopping, eating, sex, or gambling, that is unable to be curtailed despite repeated attempts for the individual to stop or manage their behaviors. An addict is simply unable to stop their behavior despite the negative consequences that are associated with the addiction. For example a gambler might not be able to keep away from a casino, playing slots despite the fact that his or her home is in foreclosure due to the thousands of dollars that have been spent trying to win big. Just saying no is not an option for an addict; they are unable to stop on their own.
Physiological Component of Addiction
According to NIDA and other experts in the field of addiction there are two categories to consider when assessing the addictive cycle. There is the physiological component, which explains the actual changes in brain chemistry that take place when a substances like tobacco, alcohol, or heroin are used repeatedly. The combination of being genetically predisposed to addicting substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroine, and crack coupled with the specific brain chemistry changes that take place during use support the theory that addiction is an actual disease like cancer or diabetes that needs to be treated with actual medication and behavioral modification. This theory explains why some drinkers or cocaine users can’t simply stop the behavior. They are unable to put their drug down without the assistance of medications that help to stabilize the brain chemistry that when exposed to their drug of choice produces euphoric like effects, which just reinforces the feel good reward system of the actual substance being taken to begin with. The physiological component of addiction helps to explain the concept of tolerance. As an addict becomes more involved with their substance, the amount that they need in order to achieve that same level of euphoria or high increases dramatically. Hence the need for more and more in order to achieve that same “feel good” high drastically escalates.
Psychological Component of Addiction
The second component of the addictive cycle is the psychological relationship to the drug and it’s effects on the daily life of the addict. One could argue that the substance be it marijuana, prescription pills or gambling acts as a pressure release valve that allows the individual to escape from the daily grind. For example, addicts who are in remission report that it wasn’t necessarily just the physiological desire or craving that prompted picking up the drug again but rather the stress of life and challenges we all face that promoted use and abuse in order to forget or minimize the pain, anxiety and stress that we all feel. The psychological theory of addiction also helps to explain why many addicts are able to put down one specific substance like alcohol but then find themselves addicted to over eating because they need a substance that helps them navigate and numb out the feelings we all face and deal with. The substance becomes the gatekeeper and escape exit for dealing with all the things we just don’t want to deal with or address.
Things to Consider
While new research continues to evolve and scientists work feverishly to try and understand the components of addiction and it’s effect on brain chemistry two things are important to consider in treatment.
Prevention is key. This is especially true for the adolescent user. New scientific research shows that because an adolescent brain is still not fully formed especially in areas of self control, judgment and decision making the adolescent user is especially prone to more addictive patterns of behavior because there brain chemistry responds more powerfully to substances that change brain chemistry than adults. The earlier one starts to use a substance they more prone they can be to addiction.
Biology Environment Development
Currently addiction research shows that Biology, (one’s genetic make up), Environment, (one’s family system, social network and psychological state) and Development (one’s current position in life, youngster, adolescent, adult and elder adult) all play a major role in the science of addiction.