A Different View of Addiction

Before I upset any of the under-funded and overworked support services with a perspective on addiction that is not focused on the huge problems that need to be addressed after the point of intervention, I would like to preface my post with the acknowledgement that this is meant to complement, not replace, evidence-based addiction treatments. The biological aspects of addiction, especially with substance use disorders, still need multidisciplinary treatment. This exploration aims to spark some thoughtful discussion alongside established approaches.

When we think of addiction, it's easy to focus on its negative consequences: the harm it causes to relationships, health, and productivity. But what if we shifted our perspective? Instead of seeing addiction purely as a destructive force, we looked at it as a response to deeper needs for purpose, meaning, or connection?

Addiction often isn't about the substance or behaviour itself; it's about what it provides: a sense of relief, comfort, or even thrill. Whether it's an adrenaline junkie seeking the rush of extreme sports, an office worker addicted to social media, a teenager seeking another sugar high, or a substance user escaping emotional pain, addiction frequently stems from unmet needs that society seldom acknowledges.

Our current understanding of addiction primarily revolves around how substances hijack the dopamine reward system, leading individuals to chase pleasure and reinforcement. Yet, we must also consider the role of adrenaline and its connection to the fear response. Adrenaline-driven activities are not just about seeking pleasure; they can be a way to confront or escape from deeper anxieties and fears. Addiction often involves a complex interplay between the pursuit of comfort and the need to manage fear.

Many people lack the tools to understand their true needs or what they're really seeking in life. We chase external solutions without grasping the internal questions that drive us. The real gap isn't simply a lack of awareness; it's the space between recognizing our needs and taking action to fulfill them.

This gap is often filled with another powerful force: fear of change. Even when we identify the need for a shift, there's a strong desire to cling to the comfort of the familiar...even if that comfort doesn't serve us. The habits we've built, no matter how unhealthy, feel safer than stepping into the unknown.

Change can come in two forms: gradual and disruptive. Small, incremental steps can lead to lasting transformation, but sometimes it takes a significant disruption to break the cycle. Unfortunately large disruptions will force change but the outcomes are not very predictable. Understanding the motivations behind our behaviors is important for meaningful change.

Before any change can occur, an essential element is trust. People must trust themselves, the process, and the guidance they receive to confront the resistance that comes with facing core habits that no longer serve them. This trust lays the foundation for genuine transformation, allowing individuals to tackle their fears and build healthier responses.

Ultimately, addiction is not merely a problem to solve; it represents an attempted solution to something deeper. Current support systems are vital and often necessary once the cycle of addiction has taken hold. In the present-day system addiction is defined mostly by the impact of the problem, the length of the problem and the functionality of the victim. This requires many people to break before accessing support. It is time to start addressing the long road to addiction with plans that think beyond immediate remedies.

In the workplace many employees are unhappy, unmotivated, and disconnected from the mission and purpose of their organizations. This is the start of the spiral towards increasingly destructive behaviours that fuels relationship and workplace conflict. We can all point blame but there is a lack of people willing to do something about it.

Perhaps we should consider addiction as anything that offers low value and diverts time from higher-value endeavors, where "value" is defined by an individual's perspective. By recognizing addiction through this lens, we can build a more nuanced understanding of how our choices impact our lives, guiding us toward a deeper awareness of what truly matters.