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The Human Side Of Drug Use
All of us have a variety of addictions. We may not see them as addictions but they’re there and meet the clinical definition of addiction.
Merriam-Webster defines addiction as: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
And: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
In truth, an addiction need not be harmful per se. It does not have to be obsessive. It can be compulsive. A habitual behavior that changes our behavior or thoughts in a negative way if we do without it. This can range from your morning coffee, tobacco, etc and onward. Sex can be an addiction. An abusive relationship can be defined as an addiction. Serial relationships with little or no gap in between can be viewed as an addiction. Social media can definitely be considered an addiction.
I have been known to point out that negative emotions like fear, anger, anxiety, confrontation and hatred can be addictive if we actively seek these things out in an habitual…
