Addiction not Based on Frequency or Quantity

Simple Definition:

Compulsion (loss of control) with progressive negative consequence.

Example:

One can have the behavior of having sex with many different people and often. That doesn't mean they're a sex addict (doesn't mean they suffer it). A sex addict may, or may not, be engaging in sexual behavior but when they do, it is out of control and self destructive (they do things they did not intend to do incurring guilt, shame, and consequences to relationships and/or physical health).

Addictive cycles are soul sucking. Creativity, meaning, purpose, and passion slip away as an addiction gains floor space in one's life.

Commonplace Addictions:

(socially acceptable but still internally destructive)

► food

► social media

► exercise

► work

► drama

► spending

► gaming

Addictions can show up in almost any areas of our life. The less content we are the more susceptible we become. The solution involves reclaiming the lost self. In other words, love life more and you'll love your addiction less.

Note: According to the DSM-5, only substances (or behaviors) which create a physical dependence and which trigger a biological withdrawal mechanism are identified as addictive.

#addiction