It’s traditionally assumed that if someone is addicted to something, it’s more than likely that something will be of the illegal variety. But it doesn’t have to be the case. Addiction can realistically be associated with anything, even legal things.
And folks on Reddit were discussing their very legal addictions in this now-viral online thread. Things like sugar, chocolate, video games and the like. And that opened up a pretty interesting discussion.
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So, what is addiction?
There is no clear-cut answer to that question. Mostly because it deals with an invisible line that is crossed, and is in many cases difficult to come back to. Or, even, in some cases, flat out impossible. In that case, it’s then a game of learning to live with it and learning to accept the consequences.
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Those who get addicted essentially cross a point where their body gets so hooked and it starts demanding to feed the addiction. If not demanding more with every time on top of it. Difficulty arises from the fact that nobody knows where this line is exactly. It’s different for everyone, and once you cross it, you don’t know it until it’s too late.
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The reason why some addictions are impossible to kick is because it’s hard to understand when and if you haven't actually returned to the line between addiction and normal life. You’ve already experienced it, so you know the temptation, and thus can relapse again at any time. In that case, you often learn to maneuver around it, kinda sorta feeding it but not too much. But always living with that risk.
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One thing that many assume is that it’s all down to willpower to kick the habit. But, alas, it’s not just that.
There’s also knowledge on how to tackle the addiction as well as having the support to go through with it successfully. Oh, and it’s also understanding that addiction doesn’t make you a bad person. Even more so when you have identified it and made efforts to fend it off.
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There is a lot to addiction. Part of what makes it so darned difficult. And it all starts with that initial use.
The reasons why folks start using drugs are numerous. It can be rolling with a bad crowd (or even a good one), living with a bad example of a guardian or simply curiosity. Whatever the case, that one time might be the sweet relief that your body will continue to demand from here on out.
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Initial use can evolve into abuse, which is when the person uses the substance of recurring, oftentimes improper, basis. In other words, it’s used to a degree where it’s harmful. Some say the line to cross into abuse is when a person starts using the drug for the euphoric response or when self-treatment is performed without a doctor’s instruction.
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Over time, the person might develop a tolerance for a given drug, meaning that in order to achieve whatever result that they want, more of the drug has to be used. But the more you use, the more strain there is on the body, and the more debilitating the reaction can be in the long run.
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And, speaking of the long run, tolerance leads to dependence. Not all dependence is considered addiction—sometimes it’s a medical means to manage a condition. However, if a given drug is being used to treat another condition, and they become dependent on it to feel good, then that’s a problem.
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At the end of it all, it develops into a full blown addiction. Craving it, not being able to stop, using more than it was originally started with—all of these are clear signs of addiction. More extreme signs include use of substances in dangerous situations, like when driving a car, or using it despite the health risks.
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Whatever the case, seeking help is always the way to go as there is always someone out there who will try their darndest to help. American Addiction Centers might help.
So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Share your thoughts and stories in the comment section below!
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