YOU ARE NOT ALONE. ***HUGS*** IT'S NOT WORTH A RELAPS. YOU CAN SUCCEED. IT'S WORTH IT!!!!!
As far as I know, I am not an addict. As far as I know, I don't know any addicts. But, this is a very important topic. It's time to talk about it. Because with my OCD it's hard to tell if something is an obsession or an addiction.
To me, it's a shopping obsession. It's a comforting action that calms my anxieties. A compulsion I can't stop myself from doing. It's all inexpensive. It all has a purpose. Almost all of it has an actual need. But, it consumes my thoughts.
So when is it serious enough to be an addiction? Below is a link from Psychology Today. That seems like a trustworthy source to get a good idea what is an addiction.
(My comments are in black. quotes from links are in color)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/addiction
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns, such as work, relationships, or health. People who have developed an addiction may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.
The word addiction is used in several different ways. One definition describes physical addiction. This is a biological state in which the body adapts to the presence of a drug so that drug no longer has the same effect, otherwise known as a tolerance. Another form of physical addiction is the phenomenon of overreaction by the brain to drugs (or to cues associated with the drugs). An alcoholic walking into a bar, for instance, will feel an extra pull to have a drink because of these cues.
However, most addictive behavior is not related to either physical tolerance or exposure to cues. People commonly use drugs, gamble, or shop compulsively in reaction to being stressed, whether or not they have a physical addiction. Since these psychologically based addictions are not based on drug or brain effects, they can account for why people frequently switch addictive actions from one drug to a completely different kind of drug, or even to a non-drug behavior. The focus of the addiction isn't what matters; it's the need to take action under certain kinds of stress. Treating this kind of addiction requires an understanding of how it works psychologically.
When referring to any kind of addiction, it is important to recognize that its cause is not simply a search for pleasure and that addiction has nothing to do with one's morality or strength of character. Experts debate whether addiction is a "disease" or a true mental illness, whether drug dependence and addiction mean the same thing, and many other aspects of addiction. Such debates are not likely to be resolved soon. But the lack of resolution does not preclude effective treatment.
The word addiction is used in several different ways. One definition describes physical addiction. This is a biological state in which the body adapts to the presence of a drug so that drug no longer has the same effect, otherwise known as a tolerance. Another form of physical addiction is the phenomenon of overreaction by the brain to drugs (or to cues associated with the drugs). An alcoholic walking into a bar, for instance, will feel an extra pull to have a drink because of these cues.
However, most addictive behavior is not related to either physical tolerance or exposure to cues. People commonly use drugs, gamble, or shop compulsively in reaction to being stressed, whether or not they have a physical addiction. Since these psychologically based addictions are not based on drug or brain effects, they can account for why people frequently switch addictive actions from one drug to a completely different kind of drug, or even to a non-drug behavior. The focus of the addiction isn't what matters; it's the need to take action under certain kinds of stress. Treating this kind of addiction requires an understanding of how it works psychologically.
When referring to any kind of addiction, it is important to recognize that its cause is not simply a search for pleasure and that addiction has nothing to do with one's morality or strength of character. Experts debate whether addiction is a "disease" or a true mental illness, whether drug dependence and addiction mean the same thing, and many other aspects of addiction. Such debates are not likely to be resolved soon. But the lack of resolution does not preclude effective treatment.
So, what's the difference between addiction and Obsession?
https://www.addictions.com/addiction-vs-obsession-whats-the-difference/
Addiction vs. Obsession Defined
One of the common definitions of an obsession is “a idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.” A person can be obsessed with an activity, a thought, a story, another person; the list is almost endless. This can become problematic in some instances when a person only wants to think or talk about one thing. However, it can usually be controlled, which is what separates this term from another, often similar-seeming one.According to Health Direct Australia, “Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something, to the point where it could be harmful to you.” When a person is addicted to something, like a drug or a behavior, it almost always causes problematic results, especially dangerous or harmful ones that affect the individual and everyone around them. In addition, the person’s continuous use of the substance or participation in the behavior is compulsory: they cannot stop even though they may want to. These are some of the most fundamental differences between obsession and addiction, and we must understand them in order to not make light of either matter.
So my shopping thing is definitely an obsession not an addiction. Because I do control it. I can stop myself sometimes and wait for a sale or coupon. I can take the time to research before the purchase. I can't stop talking about it. But, I can stop the purchase until I take the time to judge if I would get my moneys worth from it. With addiction, you can't do that, you have to make the purchase. Right there. In the moment. Not thinking just doing.
http://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/addictions-information/types-of-addiction-list-of-addictions
List of Addictions to Substances Substance use disorders in the DSM-IV-TR
1. Alcohol
2. Tobacco
3. Opioids (like heroin)
4. Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics like sleeping pills and tranquilizers)
5. Cocaine
6. Cannabis (marijuana)
7. Amphetamines (like methamphetamine, known as meth)
8. Hallucinogens
9. Inhalants
10. Phencyclidine (known as PCP or Angeldust)
11. Other unspecified substances
List of Impulse Control Disorders The DSM-IV-TR lists disorders where impulses cannot be resisted, which could be considered a type of addiction.
1. Intermittent explosive disorder (compulsive aggressive and assaultive acts)
2. Kleptomania (compulsive stealing)
3. Pyromania (compulsive setting of fires)
4. Gambling
List of Addictions - Behavioral It has been suggested one of the types of addictions is behavioral addiction.
1. Food (eating)
2. Sex
3. Pornography (attaining, viewing)
4. Using computers / the internet
5. Playing video games
6. Working
7. Exercising
8. Spiritual obsession (as opposed to religious devotion)
9. Pain (seeking)
10. Cutting
11. Shopping
See more at: http://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/addictions-information/types-of-addiction-list-of-addictions#sthash.ORvm5i9W.dpuf
Now it's time to talk about those famous 12 steps. It's not just for substance abusers. They are designed to help any addict get through their recovery. I am removing the word "alcohol" is step 1 to fit all addictions.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/
Here are the 12 Steps as defined by Alcoholics Anonymous:
- We admitted we were powerless over _______–that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Bottom line, An addict will always be an addict. They will always have to work hard and take steps to avoid what they are addicted to. They will need extra support when life is stressful. Friends and family will have to support them for success. Success is worth the effort!!!
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