Addiction
The mechanisms of addiction
Addiction is the inability to do without something, an object or a sensation that can satisfy a latent pleasure. Among the most frequent addictions, there is that from tobacco, from alcohol, from tranquilizers, from foods, from the internet ... These are, therefore, psychic and physical states that derive from the consumption of elements that can no longer be done to less. Addiction manifests itself with impulses that are difficult to control, determined by the feeling of fulfillment it procures (euphoria or temporary serenity). If these impulses are not satisfied, the addicted person feels a void that soon becomes malaise, irritability or sadness. The different addictions can have an importance and more or less harmful effects, depending on the degree of harmfulness and the nature of the addiction itself. Some remain more or less manageable, while others cause self-destruction. In these cases we speak of pathological addictions.
The causes
According to Sigmund Freud, addiction would have a close link with the pursuit of pleasure and the idea of death. A symbolic way to die and feel alive. Other psychoanalysts speak of a profound internal lack that could only be filled by obtaining the object of desire ... The feeling of emptiness and the need to have this "thing" when not obtained, therefore, would be part of the pursuit of pleasure. Apparently, "addicted" people would have received little affection in childhood or, conversely, they would have received too much. It can also happen that addiction is caused by character traits such as sensitivity, a tendency to depression, lack of self-esteem and fear of being rejected. According to neurobiologists, people who have true addictions have a genetic vulnerability linked to chemical well-being. Some addicted people, in fact, secrete fewer endorphins (pleasure hormones) and therefore have a greater need to fill gaps. The complexity of addiction lies in the fact that we remain aware of the fact that the pleasure obtained only temporarily reassures us and that, in the end, it does us more harm than good.
How to get rid of an addiction?
The treatment must go through the development of a less anxious relationship with one's desire, in order to take life more serenely and gain a certain autonomy. And this is precisely the most difficult thing. Once we have become aware of our addiction, and have stopped denying it, we need to address the problem. The ideal is to ask for help from a family member or a therapist, if the addiction is too strong. Then comes the time for changes: you have to learn to speak freely, to express your emotions, especially when they are negative and when the lack is too strong. Sometimes, to explain the origin of this addiction, it may even be necessary to interpret dreams. To give a new meaning to one's life and desires, certain specialists even advise to change one's environment and way of thinking. a new hobby, going out more… in a nutshell, finding other less destructive pleasures It is always difficult at first, due to the process of "getting used to" and so-called secondary losses.
And in the event of a relapse?
Don't panic! They are frequent and remediable. Each failure, however, is a stage that allows us to gradually get rid of addiction, realizing to what extent it can poison our life and harm social relationships.
How to help an addicted person?
To help her, you must initially try to comfort her, avoiding attacking or reproaching her. Listen to her, accept her mood swings, but remain determined and show him that you trust her. For example, if it is about tobacco, cyber-addiction, food or other, you should not hesitate to prohibit, as far as possible, access to the object of desire, especially in your presence. By dint of respecting this limit, the harmful practice will diminish, to disappear over time. When it comes to an addiction that puts the life of a couple at risk, we must not hesitate to say that we can no longer tolerate that situation, that we suffer a lot and if there is a need, we must not hesitate to leave. On the other hand, the loss of a loved one can represent a saving shock.And finally, psychological help can be beneficial for the dependent person, but also for the partner who lives this situation badly ...
