Defining addiction
Today, many of us use the term ‘addiction’ or ‘addictive’ to describe our everyday experiences and behaviour. In jest, we say we are addicted to our phones, our Netflix addiction interferes with our sleep at night, and we describe our favourite foods as addictive. In a consumer society, where powerful marketing strategies and social media know how to feed our desires and compulsions, it is difficult to know where so-called ‘normal’ behaviour ends, and addiction starts.
Features of addiction
It is crucial to set parameters for defining addiction because it alerts us to harmful patterns of behaviour that may be normalised or even endorsed by our environment. Examples of normalised and potentially harmful habits include alcohol consumption, pornography, workaholism, social media consumption, phone usage, gaming, shopping and gambling.<br/>So how do we know when our habits or patterns of behaviour are, in fact, addictions? A helpful starting point is the definition of addiction offered by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; published by the American Psychiatric Association). The definition points firstly to continued engagement in a behaviour despite negative effects but also highlights four features of addiction: impaired control, dependence, social problems and risk-taking behaviour.<br/>These features are a helpful framework for evaluating whether any pattern of behaviour of concern to you is an addiction. If you answer ‘yes’ to most of the questions below, you may be struggling with an addiction for which you need psychological support.
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Impaired control
- Do you engage in the behaviour more than intended or longer than you should?
- Despite your best attempts, are you struggling to cut down or stop the behaviour?
- Do you experience intense urges to return to the behaviour when not engaging in it?
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Dependence
- Are you increasing your engagement in the behaviour to get the desired effect?
- Do you feel unwell, upset or preoccupied with the behaviour when you are prevented from engaging in it?
- Do you spend too much time, money or energy on maintaining the behaviour or dealing with its negative consequences?
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Social problems
- Are you starting to neglect valued relationships and miss special occasions because of your behaviour?
- Do you continue engaging in the behaviour even though it causes relationship problems?
- Is engaging in the behaviour leading to you giving up meaningful or enjoyable social and recreational activities?
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Risk-taking
- Are you starting to evade your responsibilities at home, work or study because of the behaviour?
- Does this behaviour put you or someone else at risk of being harmed?
- Do you continue engaging in the behaviour despite obvious signs that it is affecting your or someone else’s well-being or safety?
Admitting the problem
A person struggling with addiction can rarely change their behaviour independently and break the cycle without support. Psychologists and other professionals working in addiction have recognised the importance of a healthy social network and supportive relationships in sustaining behaviour change. The first step is recognising the problem. The most challenging but empowering step is admitting to yourself and others that you need help.
There is hope
The good news is that many people overcome their addictions with the support of a suitably qualified professional and support from family and friends. If you think you may be struggling with an addiction, contact someone you trust today or book an appointment to speak to a psychologist. Don’t let shame, fear, or guilt prevent you from regaining control and restoring your mental well-being.
