By
definition, an addiction is a compulsive behavior, that interferes with
relationships and/or career. Some develop their addictions in response to
anxiety, which under ordinary circumstances, acts as a signal for us to stop
and pay attention to its cause(s). But for the individual plagued with addiction , anxiety gets
channeled into destructive, seemingly protective behaviors.
At first
an attempt to numb pain or anxiety, addictive behavior spins out of control to become compulsive and affect
or destroy physical, mental, social, and/or financial well-being.
Much
research focuses on the chemical factors. Indeed, a person’s predisposition to
develop an addiction may be inherited, but environmental and social components
deserve attention too. For instance, persons who haven’t experienced “good
enough” bonding and nurturing from parents or caretakers, may not have
developed the habits to take good care of themselves.
Social
factors are complex and multi-determined but include drug violations and
arrests in socially disorganized areas of cities, where economically deprived
populations live.
On the
negative side:
Addictions
seem to be increasing because of:
1.Social
factors including breakdown of family and social bonds.
2.
Increasing demands on and expectations of the individual.
3. Increasing economic stressors.
On the
positive side:
1.There
is greater recognition of the various kinds of addiction.
2. There
are more resources and facilities for treatment.
3. Social
stigma is diminishing.
Until an
individual achieves a modicum of control over the substance or activity, the
addiction (by necessity) remains the focus of attention and treatment.
Two
patients, Ms. C and Ms N have struggled with addictions but have responded to
treatment in very different ways. Both intelligent women with advanced degrees,
they were raised in households where a parent abused alcohol. Ms C was
physically abused as well.
Ms N has
suffered physical consequences of her use of tobacco and alcohol. She remains
isolated, unwilling to examine or change her belief systems about the world,
fixed in the perception that most people have let her down. She prefers to put
up with “mild” alcohol and tobacco abuse, and the more bothersome consequences
of hoarding, living in a tight, disorganized space. She claims that parting with any of her possessions will
cause greater distress.
By
contrast, Ms C has been willing to
delve into her early life experiences and examine the sources of her anxieties.
She has worked for years to understand her abusive past. Living with a partner
made isolation impossible and to an extent, forced her to grapple with the
addiction. She realizes she is fortunate to have the talent and opportunity to
work in meaningful ways with a community of people.
CONCLUSION:
Recovery depends on:
1.
Hopefulness and a willingness to understand the roots of anxiety.
2.
Examining the disconnectedness from other people.
3.
Connecting to the creative, constructive, problem- solving aspects of the
psyche, extricating the saboteur and placing the saviour in the driver’s seat in
one’s life.
(For
further discussion, please refer to my blog of January 6, 2012, Recognizing our
Saboteurs.)
For
comments please write: jsimon145@gmail.com
Jane, As always your blogs are informative and so well written. Feel free to use the following for one of your future blogs, edited as you see fit.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me, that except for a chemical dependency, binge eating fits into the description of addiction.
With anxiety or other reasons for mega-stress, I will eat anything that is quick and easy to wolf down, usually standing in front of an opened 'fridge. and I continue to the point of feeling ill. The binge works, as it temporarily calms me down. Next follows guilt, with a resolution to never do that again, and to use positive ways to deal with stress . I know them all, but when stuff happens, food wins out. And the stressor has returned anyway. A vicious cycle. Yes. Unique? No,
One of my current goals is to lose 15-20 pounds, .My MD is almost demanding that I lose weight re my arthritic knees, mildly elevated blood pressure.and other medical issues. He believes they can become non-issues when I lose weight, and I know how much better I could look when I trim down.
So, I do the right thing, eat sensibly, organically, measure, journal or join Weight Watchers. I will lose some weight , which is then offset, but another episode of stress binging
ReplyDeleteDear Reader, Please try to reframe the matter by thinking of nurturing and rewarding yourself when you eat the right amount. This in contrast to abusing yourself when you overindulge. You deserve to be kind to yourself. The world and life itself is tough enough on you!