Many people have features of an addictive personality. They heed the call to the pleasure center, located in the frontal lobe of the brain. As many of us yield to the urges and cravings of the pleasure center, our negative beliefs and behaviors reinforce the need to continue self-defeating addictive behavior.
Beneath the addiction, one finds personality characteristics which sustain the addiction. According the Charlie Whitfield, an author on addictive behavior, these characteristics are common to all addictions. People most likely experience problems with trust, dependency, abandonment, shame, guilt, and the expression of deep feelings. Once the addiction is uncovered, these issues must be addressed through group addictions meeting or individual therapy. Often adults whose parents were alcoholics choose to attend Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) meetings in order to resolve the fallout from family behavior. Family members can be affected by addictive behavior and may adopt behavioral characteristics similar to the addict.
Addictive behavior lies on a continuum. For some of us, our tendency to compulsively engage in a particular behavior may not affect our everyday functioning. For example, many people may engage in a pattern of ritualistic jogging. This may be considered a positive addiction because the activity promotes physical fitness and can release endorphins which elevate ones mood and behavior. If, however, the jogger begins to dismiss friendships, social activities and responsibilities in order to sustain the jogging pattern, then the activity takes on a different meaning. Furthermore, many joggers may become so obsessive about their interest that they begin experiencing significant weight loss, making them appear too thin and fostering body misperception problems.
People struggle with addictive patterns such as weight gain, gambling, sexual addictions, eating disorders, compulsive shopping and self-cutting. I am merely providing a brief list of addictive behaviors. A comprehensive list is too exhaustive to print.
Many people ask me, Are there any common characteristics or features that link all of the various addictions into a pattern? The following is my perception of the common threads that link all addictive behaviors:
* Most addictive behaviors are an attempt at avoiding unpleasant and painful experiences.
* Most addictive urges and cravings are triggered by underlying self-defeating beliefs.
* Most people with addictions experience masked emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive characteristics.
* Most addictions are fueled by thwarted anger and self-blame, particularly among adolescents.
* Shame-based beliefs and feelings are at the core of all addictions.
* Most people who experience addictions complete a repetition cycle of abuse. The cycle starts with experiencing an urge, yielding to the cravings, feeling numb with a decrease in anxiety, manifesting guilt and remorse, followed by an escalation of anxiety and a repeat of the cycle.
* The primary goal of addictive behavior is to decrease anxiety.
People who experience addictions that are affecting their lifestyle and relationships can benefit from finding a quality counselor who is trained in addressing issues related to addictions treatment. There are also many outpatient and inpatient treatment programs within the Phoenix metropolitan area available to assist children and adults experiencing addictive behavior. If you think you might have a problem with addictions, listen to your partner, listen to your friends, and listen to your own inner-voice. Dont wait until you hit rock bottom. Demonstrate courage by addressing your problems now.
James P. Krehbiel is cognitive-behavioral therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is a contributing writer for familyresource.com and recently published a book entitled, Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy. He can be reached at http://www.krehbielcounseling.com/.
Recovery From Addictions, Part 4
In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:1. I cant handle my pain.2. I am unworthy and unlovable.3. Others are my source of love.4. I ca...
Luxury Bedding and the Ins and Outs of Thread Counts
Without a shadow of doubt satin and silk are the two main types of material that most people would classify as coming under the category of luxury bedding. Certainly a good quality satin sheet such as Charmeuse satin has a very luxurious feel to it a...
Recovery From Addictions, Part 5
In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:1. I cant handle my pain.2. I am unworthy and unlovable.3. Others are my source of love.4. I ca...
Types Of Addictions
All addictions have the same basic symptoms; obsession, compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in the face of negative consequences. People can develop addictions to substances, behaviors or activities. Some of these behaviors or activities m...
Link Building
Link Exchange is a must but be sure if you link to other sites is not a link farm. Link Exchange is belong to two way link building because it needs a reciprocal link. To practice of exchanging links with other websites or sites, you may request a li...
You Can Break Whatever Addiction You May Have!
Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. Addictions cause enormous personal harm to not only the addict, but to their families and friends as well. Psychologica...
Alcoholism and Family History
For those of us with a parent, grandparent or close family member who has struggled with alcoholism, we often ponder what this means for us.
Are we destined to travel the same path and endure the same fate?
Are we predisposed to addictive behavio...
Are You Listed At The Top Of Search Engines
Whether you are new to Internet Marketing or you are a seasoned pro you most likely know that getting listed at or near the top of the major search engines can be crucial to your e-commerce efforts. After all with millions of online businesses attemp...
Need Help For Porn Addiction?
Do you need help for porn addiction? Do you find it hard to give up your habit and despite your best intentions you keep falling back into the pit from where you climbed from? If so you need to take a good long look at the processes you use to try to...
Drug Detox
People who have been dependent on addictive drugs for a period of time experience an involuntary attachment to them. They have uncontrollable urges as a result of the addiction. They are changed by their condition where drugs take control of their li...
