An addiction prism

There are several ways in which addictions are categorized.. One such is a contrast between "process addictions" and "substance addictions".

Substance addictions are what we usually associate with the term "addiction". Someone who starts smoking will have a very difficult time stopping. The body becomes accustomed to functioning with the substance, and does not easily adapt to the absence of the chemical. Nicotine has a powerful narcotic effect. Some alcoholics take years to develop their addiction, and some others were addicted with the first drink. Thus, the caution: THE ONLY DRINK (OR SMOKE, OR YOU NAME IT) OVER WHICH YOU KNOW YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL IS THE FIRST ONE YOU EVER TAKE! After that, it's a gamble.

Just to define a term I've thrown around quite a bit on this blog: Addiction. A common definition, and one that works for my purposes, is continued or intensified use of a substance or process in the face of escalating negative consequences. Someone knows a friend or relative who dies of lung cancer. They witness the whole painful process of dying of this disease. Still, they won't quit. Their line: "I'll quit when I'm ready." Um - OK. It would be nice to buy some food, but I gotta buy my smokes. Or beers. Or crack. Yeah, I'm sorry about my asthmatic kid, as the parent lights up. But, I'll quit when I'm ready.

And where, exactly, is the line crossed between use and addiction? At the point where you are no longer free to use a substance or not use it.

So far, this note has been about substance addiction. The other type of addiction is process addiction. Substance addiction is addiction to what you use. Process addiction is addiction to what you do.

Gambling addiction is the most obvious example of process addiction of which I am aware.

Can you be addicted to shopping? (I leave to you to answer.)

Exercise? Here's an example that comes to mind. On nice days - sunny, maybe 55 or 60 degrees - you see the joggers out in their Spandex suits. They're keeping fit, and that's well and good. On not-so-nice days - 35 degrees, windy, a cold cold rain-snow mix  - the exercise addicts are still out in those Spandex suits. Those only concerned with keeping fit are aware that the Y or other places may have an indoor track, or they can walk the mall. But, no. Process addiction dictates that they must jog on the same route, wearing the same thing, at the same time every day. Never mind that no doctor, no trainer, no exercise physiologist would dream of recommending this.

Process addiction. Smokers and drinkers that have not smoked or drank for a few days are past the physical craving. They're not past the process addiction, though.

Consider marijuana. Advocates for the recreational use of marijuana say that there is no known narcotic in marijuana, and this may be true. (Carcinogens are another matter, but come on, we haven't outlawed tobacco, have we?) So, you don't get addicted to the substance. You do get addicted to the routine of rolling the joint, of firing up that herb, of puffing. . .Think that's not a powerful pull? People who use often develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing and/or damage to nose and throat. Despite the absence of a narcotic, they can't quit, even in the face of these consequences. Process addiction.

As I have noted frequently before, I have no finger to point. This battle has also been mine. I am an alcoholic - a gratefully recovering one, but still alcoholic. So, I apologize if I  come across as judgmental. I have no judgment to make of anyone else. My objective is to point out that the subject of addiction is a very complex one, and addicts are very complex people. Also, most of us are addicts, and if someone knows you well enough they can tell you what your addiction is.

And never forget that there's hope. If you're caught up in some form of addiction, or if someone you know is, never ever let go of that lifeline called Hope. It's real.

Thanks for hanging out for a few! I'd love to know your thoughts.

Gotta go. The 9:00 Mass is calling.