Pubdate: Tue, 18 Nov 2008
Source: McGill Tribune (CN QU Edu)
Copyright: 2008 The McGill Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mcgilltribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2672
Author: Emma Cabrera-Aragon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

ADDICTION VERSUS ADDICTIVE-TYPE BEHAVIOURS

The Difference Between Chemical And Mental Addiction Is Small

This week, from November 16 to 23, is Alcoholism Awareness Week. But 
while alcoholism is a well known addiction, many others warrant the 
same attention. There is a support group for nearly every addiction 
possible, but the level of seriousness of addiction varies. A student 
with a morning coffee habit is not equivalent to a cocaine addict 
looking for a fix-in any discussion of addiction, it's important to 
distinguish between addiction and addictive-type behaviour.

The term addiction originally applied solely to substance abuse 
- -specifically physical dependence-where the abuser's body required 
the substance to function normally. If the substance was no longer 
provided, the addict suffered withdrawal symptoms ranging from 
anxiety to convulsions and seizures. Today, the definition of 
addiction takes into account both physical and psychological 
dependence. Physical dependence appears to be the greater of two 
evils, though this is not always the case.

"Cocaine, for example, does not cause physical dependence-but it is 
considered one of the easiest drugs to get hooked on and one of the 
hardest to give up," writes the Canadian Centre for Addiction and 
Mental Health.

Psychological dependence is an aspect of both addiction and 
addictive-type behaviours. A gambling problem, for example, is 
classified as a compulsive behaviour though many refer to it as a 
gambling addiction. There is no substance intake and hence no 
physical dependence, but psychological dependence is apparent as 
compulsive gamblers feel the overwhelming need to gamble-a need which 
frequently disrupts their lives.

Yet this does not mean that there are no biochemical connections 
between addiction and addictive-type behaviour.

Substance abusers use drugs to elicit a certain feeling or mood that 
they are unable to attain without the drug. Biochemically speaking, 
the substances which are taken in by the body either interrupt or 
facilitate certain biological processes to produce an effect. 
Stimulants, such as amphetamines, increase the rate at which neurons, 
the components of the nervous system, communicate with each other to 
relay a message. Depressants suppress activity in the body by 
inhibiting the transmission of excitatory neurotransmitters and 
stimulating neurotransmitters that signal processes in the body to slow down.

The "high" that stimulant users achieve is also experienced to a 
lesser extent by those engaging in addictive-type behaviour. For 
example, excitement triggers the release of dopamine and adrenaline, 
which creates a high. To maintain that same "high," those engaging in 
addictive-type behaviour must increase their level of engagement in 
the activity. They build a tolerance to the activity just as 
substance abusers build a tolerance to their drug of choice.

When a colloquial "addict" loses control over his or her behaviour, 
it is harder to distinguish addiction from addictive-type behaviour. 
The criteria for addiction, including the inability to cut back even 
when trying, feeling guilty, and allowing the addiction to disrupt 
your life, can signal addictive-type behaviours. In fact, the stigma 
associated with addictive-type behaviour is almost as great as the 
stigma towards officially classified addictions. A survey by CAMH 
showed that 36 per cent of students find it shameful to have a family 
member who is a drug addict, 14 per cent find it shameful to be 
related to an alcoholic, and 19 per cent find it shameful to be 
related to a "gambling addict."

Some addictive-type behaviours are self-perpetuating. You lose money 
on a bet, or get a credit card bill for your excessive shopping 
spree, and go out and gamble or shop more to make yourself feel 
better. In this case, it's not necessarily the activity that the 
abuser is craving but a sense of relief or escape. Other impulse 
control behaviour such as self-abuse and kleptomania usually stem 
from a lack of effective coping mechanisms, resulting in 
uncontrollable destructive behaviour.

But just because addictive-type behaviour isn't technically an 
addiction doesn't mean it isn't a problem. Regardless of 
classification, it can be just as damaging to a person's life as any 
addiction. For university students in particular, stress can lead to 
addictive-type behaviour that endangers academic success and future 
career opportunities. Statistics show that, like addiction, 
addictive-type behaviour is most common among youth. A 2003 Stats 
Canada report showed that addiction is highest among those aged 15 to 
24, and the CAMH reports that people aged 18 to 24 are twice as 
likely as adults to develop a gambling problem.

The stigma associated with addiction and addictive-type behaviours 
prevents many from seeking help. Those with an impulse control 
disorder may feel that since it is not an actual addiction, they 
should be able to handle it on their own. This is faulty logic, and 
addictive-type behaviours which have spiraled out of control cannot 
be dealt with alone. The first step, as they say, is admitting you 
have a problem. Then, with the help of friends, family, a counsellor, 
or a support group you will be able to move forward.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom