Addiction

[nyyki]

We discussed the common patterns of addiction in class on Thursday.

"No, I don't have a drinking/drug/addiction problem. I can quit any time I want to." This refrain is what one expects when they challenge someone on their possible addiction. It seems the denial is very strong in this little problem. (Not sure what obsessive behavior and a river in Egypt has in common or why they manifest together so much, but that's a topic for someone else to use for a thesis)

OUr instructor said a more useful way to deal with this is to present the common patterns of addiction and let the person decided if they have it.

The Mnemonic is "Patty Took Bill's And Rachel's Very STrange Cat."

Preoccupation: This is simple. The person spends an inordinate amount of time thinking about the substance to which they're addicted. Ever meet someone who can't talk about anything except marajuana?

Tolerance: The person has a higher tolerance than what is considered normal. "I have to drink a twelve pack of beer to get a buzz."

Blackouts: The person has experienced blackouts from the addictive substance. This doesn't apply to all substances, of course.

Alone Consumption: The person consumes the substance as a solitary act. This doesn't have to mean in a room by themself -- they could be in a crowded room. But the substance is all they care about in the room.

Rapid Consumption: When exposed to the substance they consume a lot of it in a very short time frame.

Violation of prior plans: The person may say, "I'm only going to do one line," but then they do six.

Self Medicating: The person uses the drug or substance to solve some problem or condition. This refers to regular or repeated use of the substance.

Concerned about Supply: This is the person who rushes out at 8:30 on Saturday evening to hit the liquor store to get more hooch, or the person who is always searching for a "connect" as just two examples.

One of these is not a big deal. Three is reason for concern, and more than five is an indication of a serious problem. And the substance can be anything from food to caffeine to weed to booze to Afghani Heroin. (Yes, tobacco counts, too, we're not just talking about illegal drugs and substances here)

Comments

[charlayne.livejournal.com]

These can also be activities as well. From the guy who cannot do anything but talk, think, and live football (I married that guy, believe me, once). Or someone like me (and yes, I guess this is an admission) who plays World of Warcraft all the time and really wants to when things get tiring. I don't choose to quit and I know that it may be addictive but that's it. With the physical limitations right now, this is something I can do in place.

Did you guys talk about non-substance addiction yet?

[nyyki.livejournal.com]

Not really -- some of that will fall under the eating disorders, and we did cover it slightly when talking about Body Dismorphic Disorder. She mentioned that this can apply to anything, but that in this particular case we were focusing on substances because chemicals do things to dopamine levels that simulate very specific biochemical problems like depression.

[flamingsword.livejournal.com]

My name is Heidi, and I am a proud internet addict. I may also have secondary supporting addictions to demotivators, ridiculous behavior, and snark.