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The Addiction Factor

OK I know, you probably think that this is not an article you need to read because when you hear the word addiction the first thing most people think is "I’m not an addict because I don’t use drugs." We often think that addicts are only hard-core drug users like those who use heroin, cocaine or crystal meth to name a few.

Over the years we’ve recognized that alcohol, cigarettes, some prescription drugs and many other things can be addictive. The truth is you can be addicted to anything--even something considered healthy for you like yoga or jogging. Other things that we can be addicted to are: food, gambling, sex, coffee, plastic surgery, shopping, TV and video games. The list is endless.

Sugar for example is a huge problem in our country.  The average American eats one hundred and fifty-six pounds of sugar each year. Yes, that’s right; that’s how much added sugar Americans consume each year on a per capita basis, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Imagine it: 31 five-pound bags for each of us. Obviously, we’re not just sitting around eating raw sugar or candy--it’s in everything, even crackers and soup.  Check out those labels, not just for "sugar" but for evaporated cane juice, cane syrup, fructose, glucose, honey, even molasses – sugar has many names.

As many of you know, addiction has played a huge role in my life. I can honestly say that I am grateful for the experiences and lessons from this masterful teacher. Nevertheless, it is definitely not a fun path, especially if you are in denial about the problem. I used to tell myself I could quit anytime I wanted to, but that was not the truth. Things that I’ve had problems with are alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and one of the toughest, sugar. That’s right: although sugar may not have the accelerated effect to cause problems in your life like alcohol or drugs, I believe it can cause long term harm to our bodies, shorten our life span and affect the quality of our lives as we grow older.

We are a nation of addicts and this addictive behavior is a huge problem in our society that goes unnoticed largely because many of our addictions do not have immediate consequences. Often the consequences are not attributed to addiction but other issues in our life like aging or disease. We accept too many things because we are told this is how it is or why it is and we do not question authority. Have you ever considered the consequences of blind faith in an authority figure?

What’s important is that we recognize that part of our behavior that is addictive. That we take responsibility for the choices we are making from this behavior and we take action to change it. No one can change our behavior(s) for us; we must step into our power and say yes to change. We don’t have to do it alone but we are ultimately the only person who can say YES, I want something different. We must want to make a positive choice for our lives and our planet.

Here are some helpful thoughts on recognizing additive behavior in yourself or others (Reprinted from ministryhealth.net/):

1. A prolonged, incessant preoccupation with any addictive  agent, person, thing, activity, event, thought, or behavior.
   
   
2. An increased tolerance to the addictive agent. The longer the duration of the addiction, the greater the tolerance level for involvement with the addictive agent.
   
   
3. Loss of Control and an inability to cut back, modify, or resist behaviors in spite of promises.
   
   
4. Withdrawal, including any attempt to stop or modify use or attachment to addictive agent causes withdrawal symptoms such as depression, extended periods of crying, anger, irritability, etc.
   
   
5. Secretive behavior, which is using clever denial techniques and cleverly concealing evidence to help hide the problem.
   
   
6. Denial, marked by defensiveness, rationalizations, or the "shrug off" ("It’s no big deal”, "I’m in control," etc.).
   
   
7. Yo-Yo Complex: The tendency to experience sudden and dramatic moods swings. These are not always easy to detect as addictive persons can hide quite skillfully.
   
   
8. Blaming the "It’s not my fault" syndrome.
   
   
9. Mental lapses including blackouts, loss of memories, daydreaming, and pre-occupation with the addictive agent.
   
   
10. Physical symptoms including headaches, ulcers, hypertension, fatigue, panic attacks, numbness, pain, overall weakness, etc.
    
    
11.  Rigid attitudes, a marked intolerance of differing viewpoints and the frequent manifestation of black-or-white, all-or-nothing thinking patterns. Such patterns, of course, disrupt both personal and professional relationships.
    
    
12.  Low self-image: The longer the period of addiction, the less one cares about themselves and the greater the potential for addicted individuals to act contrary to their original value system.
    
    
13. Tragedy: Compulsive addictions can so alter judgment that accidents, injuries and even disability or death can result. Some of these may or may not be caused by intentional decisions.

Deep down our intuition and spirit know when we are behaving in an addictive manner but unless you are willing to face the truth, you will continue to carry out the behavior. Just because you’re not having blackouts from eating a 6oz bag of chips or drinking seven cups of coffee does not mean there it is still not a problem. Recognize that everything you do, say and think is having a lasting and profound effect in your life, body and relationships. We think we can do it alone but more often than not, it’s much easier with help. So don’t be afraid to seek it out, ask for it and begin the process of releasing your addictive behaviors, thoughts and actions today.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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