Reflection on Addiction and Addictive Behaviors - Essay Example

? Reflection on Addiction and Addictive Behaviors Reflection on addiction and addictive behaviors In terms of personal observation from time to time, addictions or addictive behaviors arise as a result of a learned behavior. Further, addiction is not a genetic predisposition, but a continued dependence on a particular habit to the point that, the addiction or addictive behavior becomes part of an individual’s system. Different behaviors or habits contribute significantly to addictive tendencies while, other circumstances, addiction may manifest into a disease. This is because individuals addicted to alcohol and drug abuse often develop physical symptoms related to the dependency on alcohol or drugs. Other forms of addictive behaviors include eating habits, sleeping patterns, sexual behaviors, watching television or movies and to extent, theft and violence (Lee, Storr, Lalongo & Martin, 2012) In most instance, when individuals adapt to a particular behavior, there is always moderation, but the more a person engages in behavior, the more he or she becomes dependent on that behavior. As a result of becoming dependent on that behavior, a person psychology develop a perception that they cannot survive without behavior they are used to in their daily life. For example, a person relying on over the counter pills to get some sleep. This, after a long period of use result in a dependency where that particular person cannot sleep until he or she takes the sleeping pills. In essence, this is a psychological dependence where, a person makes a habit part of his or her system, and which they cannot do without. Behaviors are often learned, unlearned and relearned, and much of the behaviors that individuals acquire, often is influenced by their surrounding environment or family (Dodes, 2013). The family for instance, plays an important role in the type of behaviors that individuals develops, and becomes dependent on for their daily survival. For example, parents that enable habits such as providing children the freedom to watch television any time they want, could turn their children to addiction to watching television or movies. In a similar manner, a violent family or parents fighting frequently, creates an environment where children grow up knowing that violence is the proper way of living. As a result, adult children of parents used to violent behaviors, often find themselves addicted to violence themselves, and may constantly inflict harm to those around them. Further, for behavior to become addictive, it has to be learned over and over until such behavior becomes part and parcel of an individual’s behavior. On the other hand, addiction to alcohol and drug abuse is the worst form of addiction and can lead to the destruction of one’s life and significant others (Dodes, 2013). Alcohol and drug abuse are not hereditary, but develop as a result of a frequent use of a particular substance until that particular substance affect how the body system operates (Webb, Sniehotta & Michie, 2010). In essence, the substance becomes part of the central nervous system, and without that substance, the body of an individual does not function properly. However, to the point that an individual develops physical dependency to alcohol and drug abuse, there are stages or phases that such an individual may encounter. This starts engage in the use of alcohol or drugs in a social context where, the use is moderate. However, a continued social use result into the second phase known as tolerance, and in this stage, the use of alcohol or other drugs in moderation disappears, and individuals begin to abuse alcohol or other substance. As one continues to engage in the overconsumption or abuse of alcohol and other drugs, this results into psychological and physical dependency. At this stage, addiction is more pronounced compared to the phase where an individual introduces themselves to alcohol and other substance of abuse. Among most addictive behaviors, alcohol and drug abuse has a significant effect to families and the society at large, because of the other behaviors associated with alcohol and drug abuse. In addition, individuals suffering from alcohol and drug abuse often develop certain characteristics to enable them sustain their addictive behaviors. This involves developing a world view that convinces them that what they are doing is right. They begin to lie to other family members, friends and workmates as a means of sustaining their drinking habit or substance abuse. In this sense, manipulation by drug addicts may emerge in terms of providing lame excuses to borrow money from friends or family members which, they use to sustain their habit (Dodes, 2013). On the other hand, eating habits that individuals develop early in their formative years may also turn addictive. For example, individuals used to eating less so as to reduce their weight, may become used to such habit and disengaging from the habit becomes a problem. Further, sex also result in an addictive behavior which an individual may find hard to stop as a result of a prolonged preoccupation with sex in his or her life. The behaviors that individuals develop and becomes part and parcel of their life, are often hard to break, and may require motivation, and strong will from the person affected to break from an addictive behavior (Dodes, 2013). However, while certain addictive behavior can be overcome by motivation from significant others, there are addictive behaviors that require professional assistance to break down the addictive tendencies. In essence, an effort in motivating individuals to break down their dysfunctional or addictive behaviors involves a focus on training individuals to focus on behaviors that are goal-oriented rather than destructive behaviors. Significant others in the life of a person fighting addictive behavior is important, because of the emotional support they provide in helping a loved one disengage from destructive behavior. Further in regard to addiction, the two factor theory of Herzberg, reiterate that, there are two factors (hygiene and motivators), which when absent, creates motivation, and when present, does not result in any effect. This involves the different things that when taken away from an individual’s life, result in a reaction of dissatisfaction and individuals may take action to get these things back. An example in this sense is heroin taken away from a heroin addict. Addict’s continuance use of substances is not because they want to get high, but the drug makes them normal as a result of developing a physical dependence in which, without taking the drug, they become sick(Covington,1998). The second factor as highlighted by Herzberg, are motivators, and include factors that result in motivation, but their absence does not result in a dissatisfaction, but only fails to motivate. Motivators in this sense may arise from the hierarchy of needs as highlighted by Maslow to help breakdown some addictive behaviors. For example, an individual whose love needs are met, will feel secure and avoid engaging in addictive behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse to seek solace (Covington, 1998). In conclusion, a learned behavior can be unlearned or relearned, and this is how individuals end up stopping or becomes addicted to a particular behavior. Among the ways in which individuals may overcome addictive behaviors involves a focus on motivators that direct individuals to a positive behavior. On the other hand, the loved ones plays a significant role in providing emotional support for individuals fighting to break away from addictive tendency. Addictive behaviors are formed, and individuals can adapt to new behaviors through personal effort or professional help on how to disengage from an addictive behavior (Bandura, 1997). References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The exercise of Control. New York: Freeman. Covington, M.V. (1998). The Will to Learn: A guide for Motivating Young People. New York: Cambridge University Press. Dodes, L. (2013).The truth about addictive triggers. Psychology Today, Vol. 46(6): pp.36- 37. Lee, G.P; Storr, Carla L; Lalongo, Nicholas S; Martins, Silvia S. (2012). Life Events and Addictive Behaviors among Male and Female Adolescents. Association between Adverse. American Journal on Addictions, Vol. 21(6): pp.516-523. Webb, Thomas L.; Sniehotta, Falko F.; Michie, Susan. (2010). Using theories of behavior change to inform interventions for addictive behaviors. Addiction, Vol. 105 (11): pp.1879-1892. Read More