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Who Becomes Addicted ?
Generally accepted in western medicine is a genetic
predisposition. The likelihood of becoming an addict is proportionate
to the number of first degree relatives who are addicts. Statistically,
for instance, if one of two parents is addicted, fifty per cent of their
children will become addicts; where both parents are addicts, the
number increases to eighty per cent.
Early experimentation with substances, peer involvement,
visual cues from advertisements and possession of an addictive
personality all contribute to the likelihood of developing addiction.
The addictive personality is characterized by, or susceptible to,
addiction.
The tendency to addiction to substance or behavior increases
as a result of self-medicating co-occurring conditions that cause
physical and/or emotional pain and distress. These may include
chronic pain, terminal illness, attention deficit disorder, eating
disorders, social phobias, anxiety, panic, depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia.
Other contributing factors may include... - society promoting separation and isolation, in which those who are perceived as different are alienated - society in which commerce instructs our values; reverence for unattainable and unsustainable qualities such as wealth, youth and beauty - society fuelled by instant information and sensationalism, encouraging the insistence upon instant gratification - environmental factors such as air, noise, light and water pollution, genetically modified foods Helpful hints for dealing with addiction: 1. The most important thing is to realize your powerlessness over addiction. You cannot overcome it by yourself. 2. The only way to free yourself from addiction is to tell someone about how addiction is causing chaos in your life. Be honest with yourself and ask for help. 3. Talk to your doctor or mental health counselor. There are many programs available. 4. Don't beat yourself if you relapse. Start over again. Easy does it. 5. Be aware that we don't give anything up without having something to replace it. Lots of people quit a substance and replace it with another one. Turn off all the noise that urges us to put ourselves down, buy our way to happiness, and worship objects instead of investing in relationships with those who support our healthy choices. Turn off the TV!
"It seems that ours is an addicted society, period. We are hooked
on a host of substances legal, illegal and prescribed. We are hooked
on food, especially caffeine and sugar. A look at ourselves and our
lifestyle in society tells us we are surely addicted to gambling, chaos,
money, contact (internet, cell phones), games and sex. We are addicted
to exercise, fame, technology and, of all things, work. Why? What is
it about our genetic make-up or our social structures that makes these
things increasingly apparent ? "
- Ashley, Las Vegas (NV) Related Articles |
