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
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:
