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The Nature of Addiction
From the time we were born we were all hardwired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Such is human nature.
But where is the line between wanting something and needing it?
We need food, clothing and shelter but do we really need ice cream, cigarettes, alcohol or sky diving? In the literal sense, no, we don't actually need them but they are all things that stimulate a reaction in our brains that some people find enjoyable.
When and why does wanting turn into needing? And what can we do about it?
When we experience a enjoyable sensation there is a part of the brain called the "mid–forebrain pleasure center" that "lights up." There are a variety of neurochemicals involved in this reaction. Chief among them is dopamine. It is the pursuit of this chemical response that drives people to do everything from bungee jumping to shooting heroin, from smoking cigarettes to overeating. Some people are genetically predisposed to certain behaviors. Why some and not others? Is it merely a matter of will power?
Scientific research has found that everyone's brain chemistry is not the same. Some folks have innate deficiencies of these "feel good" chemicals. It is precisely this desire for more that distinguishes addicts from those who can "take it or leave it".
Studies have shown that while a "normal" person may require a certain amount of whatever it is to make them feel "good," people with diminished dopamine sensitivity will require more of the same stimulus, be it it a substance or an experience, to achieve the same result.
Sometimes the pursuit of pleasure becomes painful or dangerous to oneself and others. What is the difference between being addicted to something and choosing to enjoy something just because?
Typically there are two issues involved. The first is whether or not we can control our desire. How many times does someone have to say "I can quit anytime I like" before they actually try quitting? The second issue has to do with the consequences of choosing to give into the urge. If there is a good chance our health or well–being may be impaired, it sounds more like an addiction than a whim.
Chinese medicine has always stressed moderation. Alcohol in moderation has been shown to have a beneficial effect in some people. There are some people for whom moderation is impossible and abstinence is the better choice. Is there a moderate amount of cigarette smoking? I don't know of any studies that show that smoking only a few cigarettes is good for you.
The good news is that once we are aware of this phenomenon there are ways to get a handle on it and begin to take control. There are number of techniques that a person can use to feel good naturally—including meditation, spending quality time with friends, and learning something new. Let me add to this list acupuncture, which has been shown to increase endorphin levels in the body, which is linked to an increase in dopamine levels as well.
Over the last 23 years I have worked in a variety of treatment programs that used acupuncture as tools to help folks struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. In my private practice I have worked with people to help them quit smoking or to control their eating habits.
By definition, all compulsive habits reflect an imbalance in the brain's pleasure center. Addressing this imbalance is the first step in changing the behavior. Getting a handle on addictive behavior requires a number of tools and I encourage all who struggle with any type of addiction to put together a "tool box" they can use when the urge starts.
This tool box should include things like a support group and counseling to work on the conscious level to overcome the isolation and emotion distress that is often part of the problem. Exercise is a naturally healthy way to feel good.
Meditation techniques can help calm the mind. Acupuncture helps to bring the body into balance and give peace of mind. Sometimes medication may be required as a temporary intervention or in severe cases for long term support.
The ultimate goal is to be able to find the tinges we can do that enhance our health and well being and which simultaneously make us feel good.
Take a minute to make a list of the things that enhance your overall well–being. Call a friend. Read a book. Try something new. As that athletic footwear company says, "Just do it!"
© 2011 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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