You have probably heard the phrase “I have an addictive personality” before, but what does that really mean? Is there such thing as an addictive personality? Science points towards yes while many people deny a person’s biological predetermination to be prone to addiction. In this blog we will discuss the origins of addiction, predictive characteristics someone may demonstrate, and how to receive treatment if you believe you or a loved one are afflicted with addiction.
By definition, an addiction is a behavior that represents an overuse or an abuse of a substance or activity. This is a broad determination and can be inconclusive in regards to many borderline attitudes. This is relatively new topic in the past few hundred years of medical literature, and there is a rising trend on the investigation of addictive DNA. What makes something addictive to a person is dependent on their genetic makeup; however, every afflicted person’s response is the same. Whatever the behavior may be, it elicits a highly pleasurable response in the brain’s reward center. There is a distinct difference between what is a habit and what is an addiction. The difference is when the brain becomes dependent on the dopamine release the behavior delivers, rather than the familiarity of a ritual. Although it is important to note that therapy is effective in reducing anxiety caused by habitual behaviors as well as addicted ones.
The warning signs of addiction depend on the individual, and can start showing even in childhood. Children that grow up around adults with substance abusive behaviors are more likely to experience themselves, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Individuals with more extreme behavior, either introverted or extroverted, are at a greater risk for addiction as well. Compulsions, impulsivity, giftedness, or high IQ’s are also correlated attributes in people with addiction. If you or your child expresses obsession with certain routines or patterns, this can put them at a predisposition for repeatable habits such as smoking. However, people that express highly neurotic behavior are not always inclined to have an addiction.
While addiction is the condition of needing a substance to achieve a baseline perspective, it’s origins is a convoluted mix of environmental, sociological, physical, psychological, and economic factors. Having a home environment that sets certain behaviors as normative, and being cognitively predisposed, can put anyone at risk. Furthermore, a self-defeating mindset is shown to discourage rehab progress and generate a self-fulfilling prophecy as a terminal addict.
An addiction is a powerful state of being. That is why at Asana Recovery we work on a one-on-one basis to deliver an effective and personal treatment for our patients. Our rehabilitation includes a variety of treatments including counseling, support groups, and in-patient housing. Let us help you break the cycle of addiction, call us at (949) 348- 4504. You are one phone call away from being free of your negative desires!
