Question by JBizzleFoShizzle: What are your thoughts?
Social scientists have debated whether the term “addiction” should be used for behaviors such as excessive Internet use and gambling. Do you think people can become “addicted” to behaviors? Why or why not?
Be sure to give me a completely thought out and heartfelt answer or else this is completely pointless.

Best answer:

Answer by duck_hairback
Yes absolutely, and I think the term addiction is entirely appropriate here. Behaviours do not necessarily involve ingesting something to get addicted to but they all seem to operate in the same way – i.e. provoking a chemical response in the brain which is, for at least a short while, pleasurable.

Having been addicted to chemicals (caffeine, nicotine, sugar) and behavioural patterens I have noticed that both operate in the same way for me. It constitutes a separation of wills. I know rationally that the substance or behavior is not in my interests, it’s bad for me, so I have a will to not do that. On the other hand, and simultaneously, I desire the substance or behaviour (and the chemical reaction it stimulates in my brain) to make me feel good. It’s like a split personality, in a sense. It’s worse when I’m stressed or unhappy – easier to give in to the addiction.

My brain will proffer, unbidden, reasons why I can do the bad thing. I don’t have to think about it, reasons will just ‘pop’ into my head. Like I’m being persuaded by something external, but it’s just my subconscious working in the background. Sometimes they persuade me, and I’ll indulge myself. Other times my will is strong enough and I resist. If I can resist long enough, the addiction is broken and I no longer ‘crave’ the behaviour. However, like an addiction, once addicted the danger of slipping back into it – tempted by the memory of those pleasures – is higher.

As I’ve said, its no different to me whether its a substance or a behaviour, they operate in the same way – hence addiction.

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