An addiction to certain behaviours are distractions. People do it to avoid the issues they have trouble facing in life past, present and future.
Research has shown that addiction can take many forms,
drugs and alcohol being the most commonly known, but it can also be exercise,
eating, sex, video games, shopping, attention seeking and often as one
addiction is left, another takes its place... some harmful some not so harmful.
An addiction becomes labelled when engaging in a
behaviour so excessively that other areas of life suffer.
Sufferers have something in common, they
are avoiding dealing with problems and turn to behaviour that is repetitive, rewarding,
comforting, familiar, and seemingly in their control (often unaware that it
isn’t).
“They are all using these behaviours to try and avoid the stress of their lives, and in the process, are making things worse.” Article in About.com
Instead of focusing on the addictive behaviours therapy should perhaps be focusing more on resolving the issues causing the emotional stress, rather than fixating on the behaviour itself. Then the sufferer can be taught new skills for coping and gradually change their cognitions regarding their self worth and perception of the world.
It’s good to prepare people for relapse and remind them that the most important thing is their rational thought process and a focus on what they want out of life.
Group therapy is good for recovery, but a broad spectrum of various types of addictive behaviour should perhaps be brought together (not just alcohol or drug abuse groups), it then takes the focus off of the behaviour and more onto feelings and thoughts, heading towards what healthier option can be done instead to meet their needs and gain reward.
Of course, drug or alcohol abuse can cause huge damage to peoples lives, and it’s important that the seriousness of this particular behaviour is not diluted by someone addicted to exercise for example.
Obviously behaviours involving drugs or alcohol actually can cause a chemical addiction in the body to the substance. Some may argue that this is a true addiction where non-stop shopping for example is just a compulsion and the two should not be compared.
"I don’t really like the word ‘Addiction’ and I certainly don’t like people being labelled as one forever" (as they often are in certain substance abuse meetings).
So far I have seen friends, colleagues and clients frightened and changed by some of these meetings. While I’m sure some meetings are well controlled and effective and have helped people, I have also seen the damage that is left behind by others.
After all... I would certainly feel deflated and probably more depressed if I were labelled as ‘an addict’ forever.
“AA tells you not to rely on your own abilities because you have no ability to quit drinking without believing in God.” From the Book ‘Alcohol, How to give it up and be glad you did’ by Philip Tate Ph.D
Who was inspired by the great Dr. Albert Ellis
Theorist in REBT.
So in this particular area of CBT you will find many
theorists don’t believe in AA meetings or the like. They often find people who
run them ‘preach’. But we mustn’t forget these meetings are free, and they become a 'haven' to people who are desperate.
It’s a shame there isn’t more available, and ideally meetings that
are run within controlled parameters from a therapeutic counselling angle
instead of some random person’s perceptions and opinions...
After all, youngsters (especially) will look up to these people, trust their knowledge and take it onboard whether
the information is right or wrong.
Image from spiritual river
Source: http://addictions.about.com/od/howaddictionhappens/i/real_addictions_2.htm
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