An addictive personality refers to a set of certain personality traits that make a person inclined to develop an addiction. This hypothesis states that there may be general personality traits that can be observed in people who are addicted. Alan R. Lang of Florida State University, author of the study of addiction prepared for the US National Academy of Sciences, said, "If we can better identify personality factors, they can help us design better treatments and can open new strategies for intervening and destroying the pattern of addiction. "
Video Addictive personality
Description
The following factors are believed to affect addiction susceptibility.
Psychological factors
Research Alan R Lang found that, while there is no set of definite properties of "addictive personalities", several "significant personality factors" exist, including:
- Impulsivity
- Sensation search
- Non-compliance combined with a weak commitment to socially-assessed goals for achievement
- Social alienation and tolerance of deviation
- Increased stress coupled with a lack of coping skills.
Some claim there is an "addictive belief" in people who are more likely to develop addictions, such as "I can not make an impact on my world" or "I'm not good enough", which can lead to the development of addictive properties such as depression and emotional insecurity. People who strongly believe that they are in control of their own lives and are largely independent in learning information (rather than relying on others) tend to be addicted. However, it is unclear whether these traits are cause, result or just accidentally related. For example, depression from a physical illness can cause a feeling of hopelessness that is reduced after successful treatment of the underlying conditions, and addiction can increase dependence on others.
Genetic, Physical and Environmental Factors
Specific genetic variants affect drug addiction. Continuous exposure to stress in childhood, such as physical or sexual abuse, is especially accompanied by unpredictable parental behavior; medical conditions that cause severe chronic pain; and Pascatrauma Stress Disorders in adults also tend to become addicted.
Individual characteristics can share common underlying factors or interact. For example, depression, poor self-control, and compulsive behavior are associated with neurotransmitter abnormalities, biological mechanisms. Likewise, there is a gene/environment connection in which individuals with certain personality traits can choose themselves into different environments, for example, they can look for work environments where addictive substances are more available.
Maps Addictive personality
Signs and symptoms
People who suffer from addictive personality spend excessive time on behavior or with goods, not as a hobby but because they feel the need. Addiction can be defined when engagement in activities or experiences affects a person's quality of life in several ways. In this way, many people who maintain an addictive personality isolate themselves from social situations to cover their addictions.
People facing this problem today are defined as having "brain disease" as promoted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other authorities. People who have an addicted personality disorder usually act on impulse and can not handle delayed gratification. At the same time, people with this type of personality tend to believe that they are incompatible with social norms and, therefore, act on impulses, deviating from conformity to rebels. People with addictive personalities are very sensitive to emotional distress. They have difficulty dealing with situations they deem frustrating, even if the event lasts for a very short duration. The combination of low self-esteem, impulsivity and low tolerance for stress causes these people to experience frequent mood swings and often suffer from some kind of depression. Coping mechanisms to deal with their conflicting personalities become addicted to them and addiction acts as something that can be controlled by someone when they find it difficult to control their personality.
People with addiction personality usually switch from one addiction to the next addiction. These people may exhibit impulsive behaviors such as excessive consumption of caffeine, Internet use, eating chocolate or other sugar-filled foods, watching television, or even running.
Extraversion, self-monitoring, and loneliness are also common characteristics found in those suffering from addiction. Individuals who score high on self-monitoring are more prone to develop an addiction. High self-monitoring is sensitive to social situations; they act how they think others expect them to act. They want to adjust, so they are very easily influenced by others. Likewise, those with low self-esteem also seek peer approval; therefore, they participate in "interesting" activities such as smoking or drinking to try to adjust.
People with an addicted personality find it difficult to manage their stress levels. In fact, a lack of tolerance for stress is a sign of the disorder. They find it difficult to cope with stressful situations and struggle to get out of such conditions. Long-term goals prove difficult to achieve because people with an addicted personality usually focus on the stress that comes with passing short-term goals. Such personalities will often turn to other fun activities when they are not enjoying the fun in their previous addictions.
An addicted individual feels very insecure when it comes to relationships. They may often find it difficult to make commitments in relationships or trust their lovers because of the difficulties they find in achieving long-term goals. They always seek approval from others and as a result, this misunderstanding can contribute to the destruction of relationships. People suffering from an addictive personality disorder usually experience depression and anxiety, managing their emotions by developing an addiction to alcohol, other types of drugs, or other fun activities.
An addict is more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and anger. Both neighborhood addicts, genetics and biological tendencies contribute to their addictions. People with very severe personality disorders tend to be addicts. Addictive substances usually stop primary and secondary neurosis, which means people with personality disorders such as relief from their pain.
Personality and addiction
Addiction is defined by scholars as "dependence on substance or behavior that the individual has little power to resist." The substance-based addiction is based on the release of dopamine in the brain, where the various sensations generated by euphoric events in the brain alter the direct behavior of the brain, causing more susceptibility to future addiction. Behavior-based behaviors, on the other hand, are those that are not associated with as many neurological behaviors and are therefore considered to be related to personality traits; it is this type of addiction that combines behavior with mental states and repeated routines because it is related to the mental state.
Alan R. Lang, a professor of psychology at Florida State University, wrote in a study that the continuing quest for personality traits that play a role in the development of addiction is essential to combat widespread addiction. Identifying different personality traits will help in the long term when it comes to addiction treatment, strategies to intervene, and how to break down the pattern of addiction. With the tragedy becoming an addiction common to people throughout the United States, scientists ask questions about aspects of the psychological makeup and how they contribute to addiction. They also want to know if there is a common thread in all addictions, from hard drugs to cigarettes and from gambling to overeating. Through existing information on the role of personality in addiction, with much emphasis on drugs and alcohol, a study from the National Academy of Sciences says that there is no set of psychological characteristics associated with all addictions. Studies do show, however, that there are common elements among all addictions.
The general form of addictive behavior
Substance addiction
One form of addiction is substance addiction. This is different from substance abuse in substance abuse that is not really definable while substance addiction is a behavioral addiction where there is tremendous involvement with the use and purchase of drugs or alcohol. It is a mental dependence or addiction to a substance but not a physical addiction, although it can lead to physical addiction in the end.
Gambling
Another common addiction that might attract people with addictive personalities is gambling. When an addict behaves without thinking and is not responsible when gambling, it can be a bigger problem. A gambler with an addictive personality passes through three stages. The first is a "winning phase" in which the person can still control his own behavior. The second is a "losing phase" in which individuals begin to gamble on their own, borrowing cash and gambling large sums of money, collecting debts that may not be able to pay off. Finally, the "desperate phase" of addictive behavior gamblers is when people take further risks, can engage in lending and illegal activities and even get depressed or attempt suicide.
Feeding disorders
Addictive personality behaviors even include eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and overeating compulsively. There are many external factors that also contribute to irregular eating behavior, but for some it can develop into pathologies that are very similar to addiction. Those with anorexia nervosa channel their success into this one goal: weight loss. Once a person starts dieting, it is very difficult for him to stop. This also applies to those who suffer from bulimia. A person is said to have bulimia when he eats a lot of food and then prevents digestion by cleaning (laxatives, vomiting, water pills, etc.). By eating compulsively, the person has a compulsive drive or desire to eat and will eat even when not hungry. This addictive behavior often leads to obesity.
Compulsive Purchase
Another form of addictive personality is a compulsive buying disorder. Compulsive purchases differ from ordinary consumers and differ from hoarding because it's about the buying process. It's not about purchased items. In fact, these items are usually never used and thrown away. They are bought purely for the sake of buying. People who are addicted buy describe it as a tall person or say that it gives them a buzz. Often, when a person suffers from this depression, they will go out and buy things to make themselves feel better. However, compulsive purchases have negative effects that include financial debt, psychological problems, and interpersonal and marital conflicts. For those who suffer from compulsive purchases, for them, their actions are the same as using drugs.
People who suffer from compulsive buying usually suffer from other disorders. One study found that 20% of compulsive buyers also suffered from eating disorders. Other coincidental disorders include mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Like people with other addictions, people with compulsive buying issues tend to be confused by their feelings and tend to tolerate a disturbing psychological state (eg, Bad mood). Compulsive purchases can cause these psychological problems because the sufferer becomes dependent on the height they are experiencing when buying. Compulsive buying puts the person in a positive mood at the time. But after that, the person feels very guilty and worried about his purchase. Treatment for compulsive purchasing, at this point in time, involves only cognitive behavioral therapy. One way to prevent compulsive purchases is education. One study found that teenagers who had taken classes or courses on education and financial planning were less likely to buy products impulsively.
Mobile phone usage
Another form of addictive personality is the use of problem phones. A recent study shows that people who are addicted to their cell phones share common traits with those suffering from addictive personalities. Characteristics such as self-monitoring, low self-esteem, and peer approval motivation are commonly found in those who are addicted to their phones as well as those suffering from other addictions such as alcoholism. Although personality traits lead to an addiction trend, mobile phones themselves are partly to blame for causing addiction. Improvements in mobile phones such as GPS, music player, camera, web search, and email can make it a very important instrument for an individual. Technological advances strengthen people over-attachment to their mobile phones, thus contributing to addictive personality.
Internet and computer use
Newer addictions traced are Internet addiction (also known as pathological Internet use). This addiction has become more common in the younger generation as computer technology advances. When people suffer from Internet addiction they can not control the use of the Internet. This can cause psychological, social, school and work difficulties. Those who are addicted to the internet can be attracted to social networking sites, online games, or other sites. Symptoms of this addiction include the following: mood swings, excessive time spent online, perceived online social control, and withdrawal when away from the computer.
Tanning
Another form of behavior still under investigation is the obsessive sun tanning as an addiction to behavior. In a recent study, researchers have proven that many tanners often show signs and symptoms that are adapted from substance abuse or dependency criteria. Many people who claim to often be tanners say they look good, feel good, and relax. People who take part in excessive tannery are usually completely aware of the health risks associated with it, just as smokers who are addicted are fully aware of the health risks of smoking. Health hazards are even more severe for high-risk age groups such as adolescents and young adults. Due to the fact that health risks do not preclude the disguise from their habits, they exhibit self-destructive behavior that resembles the characteristics of those suffering substance abuse.
Tanners often say the main reason why they participate in artificial tanning is to experience the "feel good" feeling of tanning salons on offer. Researchers have found that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds offers a mood enhancing effect that acts as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is when a person exhibits small depression during seasonal changes, such as during the winter months. Ultraviolet radiation has been shown to increase melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin plays a key role in sleep patterns and is suggested to reduce anxiety levels. Thus, those who go to the tanning experience a sense of relaxation afterwards. This sensation is what might encourage the tanner to continue tanning regardless of health risks. More research needs to be done, but many researchers are beginning to add tanning to the list of addictive processes.
Exercise
Exercise provides physical benefits, but is perpetuated against unwarranted advantages, becomes dangerous, as well as causing interpersonal difficulties: the person is considered to be dependent on the exercise. Strong and steady exercise releases Endorphins and endocannabinoids, naturally producing chemicals imitated by opioids and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the active principle of marijuana). They are jointly responsible for "Runner's High". THC binds to the CB1 receptor (Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1) brain: knockout mice that exhibit CB1 deficiency reduces wheel-running..
Sports addicts undergo emotional withdrawal without exercise. It is reasonable, however, that exercise is used on a therapeutic basis in addition to treating mild to moderate depression and opioid/withdrawal addiction, due to its mood-elevating effect and the release of endorphins in place of opioids.
Relationship with leadership
When people search for a leader, they seek qualities such as honesty, intelligence, creativity, and charisma, but a leader also needs to be encouraged and willing to challenge certain ideas and practices. The fact is that the psychological profile of a great leader is a compulsive risk taker. It has been realized that what leaders seek is often the same personality found in addicts, whether they are addicted to alcohol, drugs, or sex. The reason that this relationship exists is because pleasure is an important motivator for learning. Dopamine can be artificially created by substances that carry the risk of addiction, such as cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and alcohol. People with risky and obsessive personalities, often found in addicts, can be useful to be leaders. For many leaders, it does not mean they are able to do well regardless of their addiction; on the contrary, the same wiring and brain chemistry that makes them addicts serve them well to be a good leader.
Treatment
When treating an addictive personality, a major or emerging addiction needs to be treated first. Only after the controlled behavior can the person actually start doing the therapeutic work necessary for recovery.
Common forms of treatment for addictive personality include cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other behavioral approaches. This treatment helps patients by providing sound coping skills training, relapse prevention, behavioral intervention, family and group therapy, facilitating self-change approaches, and reluctance therapy. Behavioral approaches include using positive reinforcement and behavioral modeling. Along with this, other options that help treat those who are suffering with addictive personalities include social support, helping with the direction of goals, rewards, enhancing self-efficacy and helping to teach coping skills.
Another important skill to learn in care, which is negligible, is to calm down. People with addiction personalities use their addiction as a coping mechanism when in a stressful situation. However, because their addiction does not really calm them, just as they provide momentary relief from anxiety or uncomfortable emotions, these people feel the need to use their addiction more often. Thus, self-awareness and other self-awareness interventions can be used for treatment because they provide a healthy coping mechanism after the addictive behavior has been removed. These strategies relate to the use of dialectical behavior therapy, another useful technique. DBT provides ways to tolerate distress and manage emotions, both challenging for someone with an addictive personality. DBT may not be the most effective treatment for all substance abuse, but there is evidence that it may be useful for most alcoholics and addicts, as well as eating disorders, and those with co-occurring conditions.
Another form of care that has been considered for people with addictive personality that tends to substance abuse is the drug. A drug called Disulfiram was created in 1947. This pill is used for alcoholics and will cause adverse effects when combined with alcohol. The drug is still in use today but two other drugs have been created to help treat alcohol dependence (Acamprosate and Naltrexone). Along with alcohol addiction, Naltrexone is also used for opioid addiction. Although these drugs have been shown to cause severe drinking decline, doctors still have to consider patient health and risky side effects when prescribing these drugs.
Controversy
There is an ongoing debate about the question of whether an addictive personality really exists. There are two sides to this argument, each with many levels and variations. One side believes that there are certain features and dimensions of personality that, if present within a person, causes the person to become more vulnerable to developing an addiction throughout their life. The other side holds that addiction in chemistry, such as how brain synapses respond to neurotransmitters and therefore are not influenced by personality. The main argument in favor of the determination and labeling of addictive personality must be done with the human ability to make decisions and ideas of free will. This argument shows that people are aware of their actions and what the consequences of their own actions are and many choose to oppose certain things because of this. It can be seen that people are not forced to drink excessively or smoke every day, but within the reach of their own free will, some may choose to do so. Therefore, those who have high addictive personality are neuroticism and therefore choose to engage in risky behavior. The addictive personality theory agrees that there are two types of people: risk takers and risk aversion. Risk takers enjoy challenges, new experiences, and want instant gratification. These people enjoy the joy of danger and try new things. On the other hand, risk-averse are those who are basically careful in what they do and the activities that engage themselves. It is an individual personality trait that joins to create risk takers or risk-averse people.
Some people believe that claiming that there is such a thing as an addictive personality underestimates the type and meaning of many difficult addictions. Others also argue that by placing labels on the type of person who has an addiction, this stereotypes people and denies any addiction that can happen to anyone. Some people who agree with this argument believe that claiming an addictive personality can be used as an excuse by some people who do not use drugs, and hence are not addicted, to explain why they are not addicted to drugs and others.
Another argument against this addictive personality theory is that it is crucial. By labeling someone with an addictive personality, one might think that there is no way to change the outcome and that he will definitely develop an addiction. Also, this label can lead many people to believe that there is no way to change this or treat an addiction, which, according to many researchers and doctors, is not true.
References
External links
- "Addictions/Addictive Personality." N.p., 6 April 2001. Rpt. in the Encyclopedia of Psychology. BNET. Web. April 7, 2010.
- Benedict-Mason, Stephen. "The Addictive Personality." Psychology Today. N.p., March 14, 2009. Web. March 31, 2010.
- Engs, Ruth C. "Addictive Process and Addictive Behavior." Addictive Behavior. N.p., n.d. Web. March 31, 2010.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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