In psychological addition, the individual may or may not be physically addicted to a substance, but craves the “source,” which may be a substance or behavior, in order to decrease severe anxiety and stress. Psychological addiction includes sexual addiction, gambling, internet, addiction to computer games, and/or substances such as alcohol or drugs. Despite the impact on work and relationships, individuals will go to great lengths to calm the severe stress and anxiety that occurs with the absence of the substance or behavior to which they are addicted, regardless of the consequences.
Image yourself as a child, spinning around on a merry-go-round, arms outstretched, looking at the clouds, spinning and spinning until extremely dizzy, then falling to earth, looking up at the sky, noting that the environment around us continued to spin. We would laugh, enjoying the feeling of the moment that we ourselves were able to induce. This is an example of an altered state of consciousness, and is usually what occurs and the reason why individuals choose to ingest substances. They are attempting to alter their state of consciousness, because they are afraid to function in the world as it really is. This could be stress encountered in a relationship, or in other areas of their lives. Subsequently, these individuals end up taking substances to dull their feelings and emotions. By doing so, they perceive they are able to more adequately cope by decreasing their anxiety or stress. Unbeknownst to them, they are slowing becoming addicted, and believe they need the substance in order to function appropriately.
Much research has pointed to a strong hereditary component to addiction, especially with alcohol, and a propensity to abuse other drugs.
There are many factors that influence addictive behavior. It is not uncommon to see unresolved issues extending back to childhood, including family dysfunction, conflict and stress. Shy and socially awkward children grow to be shy and socially awkward adolescents, who find that if they drink, they become more socially engaging and confident, see themselves as witty and the life of the party. Subsequently, as they move on to adulthood, they will continuously need the substance in order to support their view of themselves. Should these individuals be fortunate enough to reach a treatment program, and are able to abstain from all substances, their true selves are then revealed. It is not uncommon for these individuals to feel very depressed, and may need anti-depressant medication at that time. We also see marriages and other relationships slowly deteriorate, even after treatment, as the person they married is not the person they saw while under the influence of some addictive substance. It is not uncommon to see couples where both individuals are involved with addictive substances. Therefore, when one individual “becomes clean,” it becomes very difficult for both parties to maintain their positions, and alienation from one another sadly occurs.
Sidebar: If an individual has not abused alcohol or drugs by the age of 21, there is an extremely good chance of not becoming addicted to any substance for the rest of their lives. Therefore, good role modeling is extremely important while a child is growing up, with good communication and good education by parents and teachers regarding the hazards of chemical abuse and addiction.
It is not surprising that over the last 10-20 years, abuse and addiction have been on the rise. We live in what this author calls a “fast food society, with increased environmental stressors, spiraling divorce rate, and the majority of individuals demanding fast and immediate gratification. Abuse and addiction has increased as more people attempt to alleviate stress and anxiety in their lives.
