Overcoming Addiction

The Slippery Slope

Science has not determined exactly why some individuals become addicted to a substance or activity and others do not. Nor is it clear why the intensity of an addiction differs from person to person. But without a doubt, dependence creates negative behaviors that harm addicts and those around them.

These are the four primary elements of addiction:

1. “Compulsion” – Addicts feel they must engage in their addictions. Although they are making a conscious decision, the drive is overwhelming.
2. “Dependence” – Addicts believe they’ll experience negative consequences if they don’t act on their addictions.
3. “Regularity” – Addictive behavior is a constant in the addict’s life. However, frequency can range from three times a year to every day.
4. “Destructiveness” – Addicts’ quality of life inevitably deteriorates, although the deterioration can be either rapid or gradual.

Factors in Addiction

Professionals look at addiction differently depending on their orientation. Some medical doctors believe that addiction has a genetic component. Psychologists...