Do I Really Have An Addicton?

Answering that question, “Do I Really Have An Addiction”, is probably one of the most difficult questions in life to answer.

Webster defines addiction as: compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

Here’s some basics that I have found in common with people who are actually addicted:

—Regardless of the consequences..I still fill a need to engage in a certain form of behavior or take a particular substance.

–Even though family members and friends are concerned about my behavior, and have openly questioned me why I do or use something on a continual basis….I still feel compelled to engage.  This could be something as innocent as being on the computer “every” night, even though you partner is with you and would like to engage in converstaion.

–I feel a need to regulate my mood. Sometimes I feel so wired I need a depressant (alcohol) just to take that so called “edge off”  Or perhaps I’m so disengaged, that I need some stimulants to engage me.

–A colleague of mine gave me the best definition of addiction: Addiction is the voluntary altering of your brain chemistry ( by ingesting a substance or engaging in a behavior) in an attempt to self-regulate your  mood.

Where addiction really gets scary is when you start developing “Tolerance” Always remember that word, as it is truly the killer. Tolerance can be be described as a “user” or “doer” needing more and more of the substance/behavior to get the same initial effects they had when they first started using/doing.

—By the way, an example of a “doing” type behavioral addiction might be sex. It could be as discrete as visiting Internet porn sites on a daily basis, or going to the extreme and utilizing prostitution services. Internet sex addiction online is a multi-billion dollar industry I have read.

So take warning. These addictions can creep up quite quickly. We are truly creatures of “habit” and some of these habits that we develop are destructive. Your best bet is to get checked out by a physician just to make sure you aren’t struglling with some physical ailments.

I always recommend reading the book of Proverbs in the bible. Even in those days they had there struggles with addictions. King Solomon use to call them “fools” who returned to their “folly” Great book. Give it a try.

We are always praying for you here at Christian Help For Addiction Online. God loves you. You are a “Victor” and not a “Victim” in his eyes. Start thinking good thoughts, and say them out loud. Start the day with a bible verse. What really helped me was getting one of those “New Living Bibles” that are really easy to read. You could check out Amazon for them.

Until next time, stay well and God Bless.