Addictive Behaviors: Why Are Addictions so Hard to Break?

Addictive behaviors are commonly associated with drug abuse and alcoholism , but we are also seeing now that there are internet addiction support groups as well as many talks shows highighting the addiction to eating. Drug addictions and alcoholism have both a psychological and physical aspect . Many other types of addiction may just have a psychological component. People risk their jobs, family lives and school performance in order to fulfill an addictive behavior. Some say that is the pressure from these situations as well as low self-esteem that can lead us to turn to addictive behaviors in the first place.

For instance, a client of mine neglects his school work and instead plays action video games after school, after dinner and once his parents think he is in bed. He recently spoke about the fact that he feels good at the video games and stupid in school and around girls. His self-esteem is low and he find that the games are what soothes his depression. Of course, this is only temporary and the fact that his grades get lower due to avoiding homework keep the cycle going.

When I counsel clients that abuse drugsor have alcohol addictions, many speak about feelings of inadequacy that began in their childhoods that helped create an attraction to numbing the pain as teenagers. It can be due to a problematical family situation, sense of isolation at school or a traumatic romantic break up that a behavior develops to find relief. Later in life, a divorce or financial crisis can also lend itself to this type of response. It is because there is a sense of hopelessness and that other activities such as exercise or movies don't seem to block the pain enough that many turn to addictive behaviors that seem "stronger". Endorphins get released and that seems to make the problems disappear or be lessened significantly.

Whether it's gambling, drinking, cutting , drug abuseor overeating, at some point one needs to face the inner pain and know that they can get beyond the habit. There needs to be a wish for a better life and an ability to sit in the discomfort without finding a way to release it that is unhealthy. This takes stamina and support groups or rehab can be very helpful to stay on the right track. It is human nature to want to minimize physical and psychological pain but it is also our nature to seek an inner peace and happiness that doesn't depend on something external.