UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION

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Though not inclusive, the following information on understanding addiction addresses a problem many of the public encounter in our society caused by obsessive compulsive behavior.

This is a psychological description, in lay terms, of how certain behavior and thoughts cause thinking and chemical changes in a person. It explains how individuals unconsciously set up certain behavioral habits and patterns that lead to dependency and addiction. For the most part addictions result in behaviors that are unhealthy. Many are not initiated by the use of chemicals. This information and this approach are based on the training received as a Masters degree in Education, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Counselor and the experience with the public in these areas.

Habits are not an addiction; however behavior resulting in a rush or feelings of pleasure or relief can set up patterns of behavioral habits a person is unconsciously aware. It is not limited to ingested chemicals. Stressful situations, emotional or physical, are often relieved unconsciously by physical and mental behavior. Others receive this same type of reaction without a stressful situation involved. Each individual is different; each individual is influenced by genes. Therefore, when one is assessing the possibility of being or becoming addicted the consideration of inherent personality and family traits of addiction is without a doubt essential. Also should be the consideration of other similar behavior. It is easy for one's mind to learn that if one behavior may provide relief that other behaviors may provide comparable affects. An example of switching addictions would be abstaining from alcohol and taking up gambling or eating obsessively.)

All ingested chemicals should be considered in their role of synergistic drug dependency, not only those considered illegal. Many prescriptions effect the reaction of others drugs. Sometimes this reaction is simply to tell the unconscious mind that there is this way to create or increase a desired affect.

Using the analogy of a dirt road and ruts consider the many lines of the brain. Our thoughts are imprinted on our brain. The more of the same thoughts, the deeper the line, the easier the formation of similar thoughts and the harder to climb out of the rut. Again this depends on the individual and the repetition of similar thoughts.

As the imprint happens, learning takes place. Memories are created and stored. If someone recalls, even unconsciously, an enjoyable behavior the subconscious wants to repeat it. If that "rut" is implanted deep enough, not acting on the thought of that behavior becomes uncomfortable. Desiring relief the behavior is repeated. This repetition in turn may result in a cycle of progressive dependency that, when crossed over an invisible line, becomes an addiction, an irrational, often progressive, compulsion to repeat that behavior. Unfortunately there is no red flag announcing the approachment of this cross over into the powerlessness of addiction. It should be mentioned that the length and extent of this progression into addiction varies with the individual and the behavior.

Obsessive thoughts occur which are relieved only by this behavior which in turn exacerbates certain chemical changes in the body. These chemical changes often result in a "feel good", or a "high," or some other altered mood which the person has, sometimes unconsciously, learned to repeat, often despite negative results. Unknown, the person begins to become dependent on these chemical changes that provide these feelings. They become addicted to their own chemistry.

A person may, again unconsciously, enlist a protective thinking technique by rationalizing by denying their inability to control this behavior, or, aware of the consequences, decide to quit or cut down on this behavior; but are unable, i.e.; "I'll quit tomorrow." Others deny negative results from the behavior. Thus, a trademark of the insanity and powerlessness of an addictive cycle.

This loss of control is a devastating affect on one's self image, as the inability to manage behavior, the powerlessness, is viewed by the person as a failure. The outlook of the person's world changes. This failure may also precede other failures: a relationship, a career, loss of savings or properties, or an adverse affect on ones health. As the addictive cycle of this addictive behavior continues confidence and hope diminishes and personality changes occur.

The extent of this affect is of course dependent on the particular addictive behavior. Others can be effected, not just the person initiating the behavior. Family, work, all social groups can be influenced. Another analogy, a mobile, can be used to illustrate. When there is a shift in one of the objects of a mobile, all other objects will shift to rebalance this change. The changes in a social group when one of the members is in an addictive cycle are often negative. The results of an addiction are contagious and all members are affected.