📅 Published on July 28, 2022

Introduction: The Struggle of Addiction

Have you ever done something you knew was harmful, promised yourself “never again”, only to find yourself doing it again? Maybe it’s procrastination, social media, food, or even substances.

You’re not alone. Addiction is not just about drugs or alcohol—it’s about behaviors we struggle to control.

In this post, we’ll explore:

✅ What addiction is and how it works

✅ The neuroscience behind addiction

✅ Why we get addicted and what causes it

✅ How to recognize addiction in yourself or others

1. What Is Addiction?

The word “addiction” comes from the Latin term “addicere”, meaning to assign or enslave. In ancient Rome, an “addictus” was someone who defaulted on debt and became a slave to their creditor—a fitting metaphor for how addiction works.

💡 Modern Definition of Addiction:

An addiction is a compulsive reliance on a substance or behavior despite its negative consequences.

How Do You Know If You’re Addicted?

✅ Pain – The addiction harms you or those around you.

✅ Craving – You feel a strong urge or compulsion.

✅ Relapse – Even after stopping, you fall back into it.

💡 Dr. Gabor Maté, an addiction expert, asks: “Who is in charge? You, or the substance/behavior?” If it’s not you, then it’s addiction.

2. Why Do We Get Addicted?

Most addictions do not start as a choice—they start as a coping mechanism for pain or stress.

The Addiction Formula

Addiction = A susceptible person + an addictive substance/behavior + the right environment + stress

Even healthy activities like exercise, social media, or work can become addictions if they serve as an escape from pain.

3. The Brain and Addiction: Why It’s Hard to Quit

Neuroscientists have identified three key brain areas involved in addiction:

A. The Opioid System (Pleasure & Pain Relief)

• The brain releases endorphins (natural opioids) during bonding and love.

• Addictive substances mimic this effect—which is why drugs like heroin or morphine replace emotional pain.

💡 Example: A neglected child may seek external “pain relief” through food, gaming, or drugs.

B. The Dopamine System (Craving & Motivation)

• Dopamine is not the pleasure chemical—it’s the anticipation of pleasure.

• It drives us to chase rewards—but never feel satisfied.

💡 Example: A gambling addict is addicted to the thrill of winning, not the money itself.

C. The Prefrontal Cortex (Self-Control & Decision-Making)

• This part of the brain helps us make rational choices.

• In addiction, it becomes weakened, making self-control harder.

💡 Example: This is why addicts continue harmful behaviors despite knowing the consequences.

4. How Stress Fuels Addiction

Stress is the fuel that keeps addiction burning.

✔️ Pain creates the need for relief

✔️ The addictive substance/behavior offers short-term relief

✔️ Over time, the brain rewires itself to depend on this relief

💡 Why This Matters:

People who experience childhood trauma, loneliness, or constant stress are more vulnerable to addiction.

5. The Hidden Dangers of Addiction

Addiction disguises itself as a friend. At first, it seems to help—reducing stress, offering comfort, or making life easier.

But over time, it:

❌ Creates dependency—you can’t function without it.

❌ Increases pain—withdrawal makes it worse.

❌ Takes over your identity—you become the addiction.

💡 Dr. Maté’s Warning:

“Addiction is not about the substance. It’s about the pain behind it.”

Conclusion: Are You an Addict?

Ask yourself:

✔️ Do I engage in a habit despite negative consequences?

✔️ Do I crave it when I try to stop?

✔️ Have I tried and failed to quit before?

If yes, then it’s time to reflect on the root cause—because addiction is more than just bad habits; it’s a deeper issue that needs healing.

➡️ Coming Up in Part 2:

✔️ The different types of addictions (substances, behaviors, social media, workaholism, etc.)

✔️ How to start breaking free from addiction

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