Are We All Addicted to Something?

Addiction is a complex and pervasive issue that touches the lives of millions worldwide. It transcends cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic boundaries, affecting individuals and communities alike. Whether it’s substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, or dependencies on various stimuli, addiction exerts a profound influence on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Are We All Addicted to Something?

Anne Wilson Schaef argues in her book, When Society Becomes an Addict, that the intense stress of American life leads inevitably to addiction, asserting that societal norms not only encourage but practically mandate addictive behaviors. Schaef highlights the paradox where certain addictions like workaholism receive praise, while others such as nicotine, TV, internet pornography, gambling, and sex addiction are merely tolerated. According to Schaef, it’s virtually impossible to grow up in the United States without developing some form of addiction.

Echoing Schaef’s sentiments, Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, author of Start Where You Are, acknowledges the universality of addiction, attributing it to inherent human tendencies rather than solely blaming American culture. Chodron suggests that our innate restlessness and discontent drive us to seek constant distraction through various means such as technology, substances like alcohol and drugs, and compulsive activities like shopping and gambling. She posits that our struggle to be fully present in life leads us to medicate our existential anxiety.

These perspectives prompt inquiry into the views of other experts and what research reveals about addiction:

• Based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System findings, over 50% of American adults acknowledge consuming alcohol in the last 30 days. About 17% engage in binge drinking, while 7% admit to heavy drinking. Nearly every heavy drinker also partakes in binge drinking.
• The National Institute of Drug Abuse notes that marijuana ranks as the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S., with over fourteen million Americans aged 12 or older using it monthly, and six thousand individuals trying it for the first time daily, with a majority being under 18.
• The same report estimated  that in 2018, 5.5 million people aged 12 or older were past year users of cocaine, 808,000 people aged 12 or older used heroin in the past year, approximately 1.9 million people aged 12 or older used methamphetamine in the past year, 5.6 million people aged 12 or older were past year users of hallucinogens, and 5.1 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription stimulants in the past year. In all, 53.2 million people aged 12 or older in 2018 used illicit drugs in the past year, which corresponds to 19.4 percent of the population.
• Annually, an estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults struggle with severe gambling problems, while 5-8 million face milder issues. Gambling is widespread in the U.S., with 85% having gambled at least once, and 60% within the past year.
• In 2019,  roughly 11% of men and 3% of women reported being addicted to pornography.
• Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 22.0% (or about 61.6 million people) reported using tobacco products or vaping nicotine in the past 30 days.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), encompasses a range of conditions characterized by the compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Informed by extensive research, DSM-5 delineates 11 criteria indicative of substance misuse, categorized into impaired control, physical dependence, social problems, and risky use:

1. Using a substance in excess of intended amounts or duration.
2. Struggling to reduce or cease substance use despite attempts.
3. Experiencing intense cravings or urges for the substance.
4. Developing tolerance, requiring higher doses for desired effects.
5. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of substance use.
6. Devoting excessive time to obtaining, using, and recovering from substance use.
7. Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to substance use.
8. Persisting with substance use despite resultant relationship issues.
9. Sacrificing important social or recreational activities due to substance use.
10. Engaging in substance use in risky environments.
11. Persisting with substance use despite detrimental physical and mental health consequences.

These criteria assist clinicians in determining the severity of a substance use disorder:

• One symptom suggests an individual may be at risk.
• Two or three criteria indicate a mild substance use disorder.
• Four or five symptoms suggest a moderate substance use disorder.
• Six or more criteria signify a severe substance use disorder, indicative of addiction.

Understanding the severity of a substance use disorder aids physicians and addiction specialists in devising appropriate treatment strategies for individuals grappling with substance misuse.

Reflecting on Addiction in Your Life

In considering the presence of addiction in your own life, it’s essential to ask yourself pertinent questions:

• Self-awareness: Are there patterns of behavior or substance use that I find difficult to control?
• Impact: How does my behavior or substance use affect my relationships, work, and overall quality of life?
• Escalation: Have I noticed an increase in the frequency or intensity of substance use or engagement in addictive behaviors over time?
• Attempts to Stop: Have I tried unsuccessfully to cut down or stop my substance use or addictive behaviors?
• Physical and Emotional Health: Am I experiencing physical or psychological symptoms related to my substance use or behaviors?

The Importance of Therapy in Addressing Addiction

Therapy plays a crucial role in addressing addiction for several reasons:

• Understanding Triggers: Therapy helps individuals identify underlying triggers and root causes contributing to addictive behaviors.
• Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists equip clients with healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings, stress, and emotional triggers without resorting to addictive substances or behaviors.
• Building Support Networks: Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore and strengthen their support networks, fostering connections with peers and loved ones who can offer encouragement and assistance in recovery.
• Addressing Underlying Issues: Therapy addresses co-occurring mental health disorders or trauma that may contribute to addictive behaviors, facilitating holistic healing and long-term recovery.

Take Action with COPE Psychological Center

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, take the first step towards healing by reaching out to COPE Psychological Center. Our team of compassionate therapists specializes in addiction counseling, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Don’t face addiction alone; contact COPE Psychological Center today to embark on your journey to recovery.