1.3 Decoding addiction: key terms and their significance
Addiction, whether related to substances or behaviors, affects millions of people and communities around the globe.
It’s important to understand that addiction is a serious mental health disorder, officially recognized in medical classifications worldwide. It’s not just about making bad choices or having a lack of willpower.
Like with other mental health issues, no one chooses to be addicted.
The term “addiction” commonly refers to behavioral patterns that are not within control in one way or another. Individuals tend to describe themselves as addicted to something, such as watching TV or going shopping. Addiction can also refer to experiencing withdrawals when the behavior, such as gambling, or substance, such as cocaine, is stopped.
Before delving into the nuances of addiction, it’s essential to establish an understanding of key terms associated with addictive behaviors and substances.
Essential terms to know about substance use
SUBSTANCE USE. This refers to consuming alcohol, tobacco, or drugs for their psychoactive effects. (example: drinking alcohol socially at a party).
SUBSTANCE MISUSE. This happens when someone uses a substance in a way that’s harmful to their health or well-being, even if it doesn’t qualify as addiction. An example would be taking more of a prescribed medication than directed. (example: taking a higher dose of prescription medication than prescribed).
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. It is a mental disorder, a condition where a person repeatedly uses psychoactive substances despite negative consequences, such as health problems, legal issues, and impaired functioning. This can involve tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
TOLERANCE. A condition where increasingly larger amounts of a substance are needed to achieve the desired effect (for example: a person needing to take more painkillers over time to relieve chronic pain).
WITHDRAWAL. Symptoms that occur when a person reduces or stops substance use after prolonged use; (example: experiencing headaches, nausea, and irritability after quitting caffeine).
DRUG-SEEKING BEHAVIOR refers to the actions people take when they are looking for drugs. This persistent craving for drugs and the tendency to relapse is what sets drug addiction apart from simply using or misusing drugs.
CRAVING. A strong desire or urge to use a substance; (example: a person with nicotine addiction feeling an intense urge to smoke a cigarette).
ABSTINENCE. The complete absence of substance use; (for example: A person in recovery refrains from using alcohol, drugs, or other addictive substances).
Key terms in understanding behavioral addictions
Behavioral addictions focus on specific activities or behaviors and are characterized by an inability to resist engaging in a particular activity, despite negative consequences. Here are some of the most frequent behavioral addictions:
Gambling addiction: Compulsive gambling behavior despite significant negative impacts on finances, relationships, and personal well-being; (example: someone who consistently bets money, experiences financial losses, and continues despite negative consequences).
Gaming addiction: A persistent and repetitive gaming behavior, whether online or offline, that can negatively impact the person’s ability to have functional relationships with others, keep up with work or social commitments because of gaming; (examples: someone who spends most of their time playing games).
Internet addiction: Excessive and uncontrollable use of the internet, including social media, online gaming, and browsing, leading to impairment in daily functioning; (example: spending hours online, neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or sleep).
Social media addiction: Similar to internet addiction, some people are compulsive in their use of social media, which can affect their personal and professional lives; (example: spending hours taking pictures, editing videos to post on social platforms, and responding to others on social media forums).
Sex addiction: An overwhelming need to engage in sexual activities, including excessive use of pornography, leading to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning; (example: engaging in sexual activities that put relationships and personal safety at risk).
Shopping addiction: Compulsive shopping or spending, often driven by emotional needs rather than practical necessity, leading to financial problems and emotional distress; (example: uncontrollable urge to shop and buy items, accumulating debt, and straining personal relationships).
Understanding these terms equips us with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of substance-related and behavioral addictions with empathy, helping to recognize symptoms and seek the right support and treatment.
Spotting addiction: what to watch for?
Given the broad use of the term “addiction”, efforts have focused on defining it more precisely. The following definition gives an instance of the problematic use of alcohol as an example substance.
According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition” (DSM-5), there are 9 specific criteria used to diagnose substance use disorder:
USING MORE THAN PLANNED: People often end up taking the substance in bigger amounts or for a longer time than they are meant to.
TRYING TO CUT DOWN: They make several attempts to reduce or control their substance use but find it very difficult or impossible.
TIME-CONSUMING: A lot of time is spent getting the substance, using it, or recovering from its effects.
STRONG CRAVINGS: They feel a powerful urge or craving to use the substance.
NEGLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES: Substance use leads to not meeting important responsibilities at work, school, or home.
RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS: Despite ongoing issues with friends or family caused by the substance, they continue to use it.
GIVING UP ACTIVITIES: They stop participating in important social, work, or recreational activities because of substance use.
RISKY SITUATIONS: They use the substance in dangerous situations, like driving.
IGNORING HEALTH ISSUES: Even when they know that the substance is causing physical or psychological problems, they continue to use it.
