ADN

The reason alcoholism (and other such addictions) are considered diseases is that once you take the first drink (or hit or whatever) you no longer have control. The drug controls you from that point. As a matter of fact, the first step in twelve step programs is to admit that you have no control.

If you have control, I would consider it a "problem" usage if its causing you issues but not an addiction.

I disagree with that. Saying that you have no control and the drugs control you and then say that you have a choice to take that drug to me is contradictory. If they really did not have control then they would not be able to stop drinking.

Never head the term - "problem" usage - before. Is it a new term? Sounds like it means that you have control over weather you do something, but if you do it then it may cause a problem in your life.

Problem usage is at least dates back to the 70's and probably earlier. It's used in AA to distinguish between a true alcoholic and someone who's drinking is causing problems.

You can say the addict had control at the beginning -- that may be true. However, once the addict has the monkey on their back, no amount of straight willpower can remove it.

We don't really have that much control over our lives, though we cherish the illusion that we do.

Adtz wrote:Problem usage is at least dates back to the 70's and probably earlier. It's used in AA to distinguish between a true alcoholic and someone who's drinking is causing problems.

I did not think that there was a difference. Would you tell me what the difference is?

Adtz wrote:You can say the addict had control at the beginning -- that may be true. However, once the addict has the monkey on their back, no amount of straight willpower can remove it.

I agree with you that chemical addiction is a choice up to a point where your body is dependent on the chemical. Then your body chemistry has changed and has become dependent on it and it is no longer a choice and requires chemical detox since just going 'cold turkey' or even 'tapering off' could be dangerous or even cause death. But after detox it is again your choice.

Adtz wrote:We don't really have that much control over our lives, though we cherish the illusion that we do.

This is true.

I think I have a much simpler view of addiction. I see addiction as anything you do or consume that if you were to remove it from your life creates a desire so strong that it alters you state of mind until your perceived need is fulfilled. Example: An alcoholic without alcohol becomes irritable and distant as they can't think of anything but getting a drink and the longer they go without the worse they get. Not all addictions are that extreme in reaction, but the principal is the same. If you get moody when you haven't had your porn time then you are addicted to porn.

Hmm...All the ideas about this are so interesting...It seems simple enough, but when you change the factor, it changes the perception...

Addicted to porn vs Addicted to exercise

I like what HL65 said, "anything you do or consume that if you were to remove it from your life creates a desire so strong that it alters you state of mind until your perceived need is fulfilled"

So then, would it be fair to say that desire is at the root of all addiction..?

i am addicted to Ayhja Forums !!!

I agree with what HL65 said. While reading his it also sounds like it could be a definition for compulsion or obsession.

I would say the desire to feel, or not to feel. But maybe not the desire for what makes you feel. Meaning that if you find something that would make you feel the same you could use that instead.

Just noticed that 'Addiction' is spelled 'Addiciton' in the topic name.