Defined as a compulsion or excessive psychological dependence on something (x), addiction is not usually referred to as such until the use of x causes a problem. Only then do we usually refer to the obsession as “addiction”. For example, some people may feel they have an addiction to exercise, since exercise is usually “good for you” people are less likely to call it an addiction. We tend to use the term when we are referring to something “bad for you,” such as drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. When done in moderation none of these would probably be much of a problem, sex for example is a normal part of life, but when it becomes excessive, it becomes an addiction. When a person is addicted to something, they can be physically and mentally obsessed to do something over and over, whether it is good for them or not. Since the addiction symptoms are both physical and mental, it can be quite an undertaking to quit. People who do not experience the mental dependence that an addict does do not understand how addicts cannot just stop using, and that is the difference between simply using and addiction.
We can probably agree that drug and alcohol addictions are “bad for us.” Many do not realize they are addicted until they try to stop the behavior, and then the inability to do so makes it apparent there is a problem. Becoming aware of the problem is the first step in solving it. Obviously, if we are not aware that we cannot stop drinking little effort will be made to stop. Some people are simply oblivious to the world around them, alcoholics, and drug addicts most especially. Drugs and alcohol dull the senses making the user unaware of a problem in the first place. However, if once a person becomes aware that they have a “problem” and are able to stop, they are not truly addicted, simply guilty of inappropriate behavior that needs to change. College students for example, are notorious for binge drinking on weekends and still being able to get good grades. When they graduate, responsibilities pop up and the student quits drinking because they have responsibilities and more important things to do. They are not alcoholics or addicts, they may have drank or used too much for a period time, but when it comes down to it, they can stop anytime and are not addicted.
Take a heroin addict for an example, we can be sure that they have both a mental and physical dependence on the drug. Heroin is a drug which effects our systems quickly, tolerance to opiates increases quite quickly, and becoming an “addict” becomes apparent in a matter of days, unlike an alcoholic who may drink for years having no idea they are an alcoholic, heroin users become aware quite quickly that there is a problem. If you use heroin more than three days in a row, and then try to stop, you can expect to experience many unpleasant physical symptoms, such as, diarrhea, stomachaches, body aches and pains, headache, muscle aches and a huge overwhelming desire to use. This is a warning, your body is telling you to stop using immediately. Since heroin tolerance is apparent quite quickly, to achieve the same “high” on Friday the user experienced on Monday will probably cost 3 to 4 times more than it did Monday. It is usually a matter of a week or so before an addict goes from a $10/per day habit to $100/day. The problem with heroin and other drugs is even if you can get past the obsession to use more drugs, the user must continue to use heroin if they wish to stay “well”.
If you are not sure if you are addicted, simply test yourself. If your issue is drinking, stop drinking for a while, say a month, if you are able to quit and not feel the need and overwhelming desire to drink, then you are probably not an addict. If you find it difficult to stop then you may want to consider that you may be addicted and should seek help. You do not have to go through quitting alone! There are millions of people just like you, people who were blessed enough to realize they had a problem and reached out for help and have recovered from their addictions. If your family suggests that you may have a problem, try to quit, if you have a problem or it’s difficult to stop reach out, there is help for you, you don’t have to go through it alone. A good place to start is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, not just for alcoholics, anyone with an addiction is welcome at a meeting, AA is worldwide organization that is easily located in any city’s local yellow pages, or you can call (212) 870-3400. There is also an AA website www.aa.org with information and help with all your questions. There is help for you, if you think you have a problem, then you probably due. Do not let fear stop you from trying to find help, find it now, before it is too late.
