The term addiction is used lightly in our culture. People often claim to be “addicted” when they can’t seem to get enough of the desired object or experience. But what happens when the behavior gets out of control? Is it our personality or are we really facing an addiction?
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What is an addictive personality?
Addiction is the inability to discontinue a harmful behavior despite its negative consequences. The theory of addictive personality refers to a particular set of common personality traits which can make a person predisposed to developing addictions. A habitual behavior is considered addictive if it affects the person’s quality of life.
It is believed that the combination of environment, genes and biological predisposition are the recipe for most addictions. A person genetically predisposed to addictions will not automatically become addicted unless they experience stress in their environment that causes the addiction to manifest. Individuals may be addicted to one or more behaviors such as:
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Pornography
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Internet
- Video games
- Overeating
- Exercise
- Workaholism
- Relationships
What are the signs?
Studies have found connections between personality traits such as impulsivity and compulsiveness and addiction. People battling addictions sometimes switch from one addiction to another and may even be dealing with multiple addictions at the same time. Addictive personalities are prone to anxiety, depression and anger.
When determining whether an individual might have an addiction, experts assess the problematic behavior using a spectrum of five concepts:
- Patterns: People with addictions frequently exhibit various compulsive behaviors. ie. high caffeine consumption, Internet use, eating chocolate or other sugar-laden foods, television watching, or even running.
- Habits: The behavior is more than a hobby. It is negatively affecting the person’s productivity and overall well-being.
- Compulsions: People prone to addictions act on impulse and cannot deal with delayed gratification.
- Impulse control disorders: Addicted individuals have low-self esteem and trouble dealing with emotional stress leading them to use their addiction as a coping mechanism.
- Physical addictions: Substance-based addictions experience the release dopamine, upon which the range of sensations produced by the brain changes the brain’s immediate behavior, causing more susceptibility for future addictions.
Treatment
There is a growing interest in the identification of links between addiction and personality. Although research hasn’t found specific personality traits common in all addictions, they have found common elements between addictions.
When treating addictive personalities, the primary addiction needs to be treated first. Once the behavior is under control, the person can begin to do any of the therapeutic work necessary for recovery. Common forms of treatment for addictive personalities include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavioral modeling
These treatments help addicted individuals by:
- Providing healthy coping skills training
- Relapse prevention
- Behavior interventions
- Family and group therapy
- Facilitated self-change approaches
- Aversion therapy
- Self-soothing
Certain personality types may be susceptible to addictions, however, anyone can develop an addiction. The key is assessing whether the questionable behavior is indeed harmful. Talk to your doctor or get help,there are several confidential hotlines that you could call, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.