Whenever the word “Addiction” is mentioned, the first visual image that pops in anyone’s head is either drugs, smoking, or alcohol overdose. But no one would picture a person working out or someone eating a burger. But what if we tell you that these two could as be an addiction. Sounds absurd right? But it is possible. This article debunks the concept of addiction and unlocks a new perspective on understanding addictions.
Addiction is a chronic brain condition mainly influenced by environment or genes, characterized by negative substance use or compulsive behavior leading to consequences. ‘Substance’ in this definition is mainly pictured as the use of drugs, alcohol, or smoking, but this is nowhere mentioned that substances are limited to these. Substances could be anything excessive.
But it is no brainer when people negatively view a person who smokes as an ‘addict’ than someone having a cup of coffee. But in this case, the person smoking could be in control of their habits, and the person having coffee could be facing a caffeine addiction.
But how have we been wired to such an understanding of addiction?
Our social and environmental settings highly influence our perspective. From going to theatres to watch movies to moving from places, I can guarantee that we have seen ‘no smoking signs, ‘don’t drink and drink’ advertisements, manuals on avoiding drugs in school, and much more. We have been taught about the negatives of drugs, alcohol, and smoking, from school textbooks to signs on the streets. Only recently, people have been talking about eating addictions, but it is not as prominent as drugs, alcohol, or smoking addictions.
So, what could be considered an addiction?
The best way to understand addiction to a certain substance is to map out the symptoms. Common ones being the inability to stop, changes in mood, appetite, and sleep when withdrawing from that substance, and prioritizing those actions or substances before family, work, and financial responsibilities.
In such a way, a person who works out might seem like a fit and healthy person, but if they constantly work out, pushing their body to extreme limits, their life revolves around those actions. It is seen as an addiction. In such a case, anything excessive can be seen as an addiction. In addition, if the withdrawal of that substance or action negatively affects one’s behavior, a person should reach out for professional help. So, the next time a person mentions addictions, hope that this article changes your perspective of how you view addictions.