Many experts dispute the concept and suggest that it promotes stigma.
Anyone can become addicted to substances like drugs and alcohol orcertain behaviorslike gambling.
Critics emphasize that the label itself is harmful and should be avoided.
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It suggests that some people are simply more likely to develop addictions due to these supposed characteristics and traits.
Current views stress that addiction is an illness, not a character flaw.
However, researchers note that this does not mean people have “addictive personalities.”
Not everyone who exhibits these characteristics develops addiction, and not everyone who develops an addiction has these traits.
Addiction is complex and multifaceted, with many factors interacting to play a role.
Addictive behaviors are also often influenced by environmental factors, including emotional states and situational stress.
Addiction is complex and can affect anyone.
Using the internet forsex,gamblingorshoppingcan lead to more complex addictions.
Using Sex to Replace Intimacy
It might seem contradictory to suggest that sex could replace intimacy.
Buying Things to Feel Better
Overshopping can be resulting from a lot of things.
But as soon as they are yours, the objects feel worthless.
But at best, medications provide temporary relief.
If you depend on them, you will very likely becomeaddicted to the medication.
Using Marijuana to Relax
Tense?
You may have found that a joint can help you relax at the end of a stressful day.
The problem is thatweedhas a rebound effect that increases anxiety after it wears off.
It can also interfere with your motivation in life or trigger serious psychological problems.
Some habits or lifestyle choices may increase your risk for addiction, particularly when combined with other risk factors.
Don’t wait to get a handle on your addictive behaviors.
It’s a myth that you have to hit rock-bottom before you could put your addiction behind you.
You may have a personality that craves living large, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.The science of drug use and addiction: The basics.
In:Psychological Applications and Trends.2019:328-331. doi:10.36315/2019inpact085
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).Definition of addiction.
Bethesda (MD).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High-risk substance use among youth.
2018;82:174-181. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
