addiction

[comicsgurl]

I think this is difficult to understand.

I don't know how to explain it to you.

I think because you are not addicted you experience control in a particular way. So quite naturally you think the addicted have the same experience of control.

But whereas control for you is wholesome, control for an addict is poison.

The proof of this is that when an addict gives up control, say when they reach rock bottom or hand over to a higher power, do they start to leave their addiction.

Your experience is exactly the opposite - control or self-control keeps you safe from addiction.

I do realize that the addict's mind doesn't process information the way a non-addicted mind does, and that the word "control" becomes something totally different for addicts. But a capable, healthy, non-addicted person will try and help the addicted mind return to a healthy state. From what I'm reading (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), it sounds like you're saying the addict has control, but the control is based on an addict's definition of control.

My thought is, the addict's definition of control is incorrect - it's an unhealthy depiction of what's going on around him/her. In order for the addict to hit bottom, s/he will have to agree that the "normal" state of control and or consciousness they've accepted under their addiction is a lie. He or she has to come to a place to recognize the lie and to accept help from someone to see things truthfully once again. But are you saying that because the addict has changed his or her perceptions by letting the addiction become such a strong part of their lives, that they can no longer see things in a "normal" way? That their perceptions have been altered past the point of the world's view of "normal"?

I'm trying to understand - and it's possible I may have misread something you previously wrote.

 

[Jeffster]

Heh. My whole life has pretty much been a series of addictions. Thankfully, none of them have been drug-related, or I'm sure I would've gotten in all kinds of trouble with that, because I definitely have an addict personality. Food has definitely been an addiction for me before, driving has been one, music charts and radio station ideas, my job, all kinds of internet addictions - some involving role playing and endless chatting, others involving porn or "adult games" and such. Sports obsessions, women, I mean I could go on. The pattern of my life is going totally hard core in one direction and focusing on one thing so much that everything else just falls by the wayside, and I can't concentrate or do anything properly when I'm forced to do something else other than what I'm obsessed with/addicted to.

Now, on the positive side, since I've had a child, I have improved greatly in being able to break the cycles somewhat and become more well-rounded, as well as more focused outside myself. Of course, even parenting itself can (and did for me) become an obsession where I was bound and determined to read every parenting book/online site I could possibly find for awhile there. And when I found out last year that my son and I were invited to go to Disney World as part of the annual Subway convention trip, I became obsessed with that. We spent a grand total of 2 days actually at DW, but for the next few months I was obsessively reading books and sites about Disney and not thinking about much else, even looked into the Disney Vacation Club timeshare thing (thankfully I didn't actually join it or spend any money, but being able to buy things online with one click is very dangerous for me.)

So, I probably sound like a complete lunatic with this stuff, but as I've learned more about personality types, I've realized that I'm not alone in these areas, and that other people with my constant need for action and for something to pour all of myself into have found healthy ways to balance the activities and people in their lives, and I feel like I am improving even though I have my good times and bad times when it comes to these issues. I think even though this site itself is a bit of an obsession for me now, I feel like overall it's a positive community for me because it helps remind me that not only are there people like me out there, but also that there is many different ways of looking at things and approaching life and it's okay for me to step back from time to time and try to sort of "take stock" of where I am, and not feel like I have to feed the beast of constant action or I'm going to get a big "Game Over" alert or something.

I feel I like I should put "The End" after all that rambling.

 

[pure_mercury]

I have an addictive personality, for sure. And it's manifested itself in various obsessions, but people and drugs were the two worst by far. Samuel and I seem to have some things in common. I was never addicted physically to any one chemical, but I was addicted to be intoxicated for a good long while (and it started out as a reaction to losing someone to whom I had gotten myself addicted). Suffice it to say, that I've tried pretty much everything there is to try. I am also an experience junkie, and I have self-control problems. I've learned to deal with it after years of serious debauchery and depression and general crazy behavior. I did learn a lot about myself and how I deal with others, though.

 

[falling2fast]

Addiction is simply two self reinforcing trances.

As you leave one trance you enter the second. And as you leave the second, you enter the first. So there is no way out. That is why it is called an addiction.

Single trances are normal. We enter and leave single trances all during the day. So we know instinctively, if not consciously, how to enter and leave a single trance.

So when we inadvertently enter a double trance, we naturally expect to be able to leave in the normal way. But when we can leave, we don't want to. And when we want to leave, we can't. We are addicted.

Close....

If you ask someone who is addicted to something, they will tell you that they could control their addiction; they just do not want to control it. Realistically, we are all addicted to something.

Stop breathing, right now. Just stop. According to science, your brain is capable of consciously deciding to stop telling your muscles to pump air into your lungs. Stop spending money. Just choose to not spend money of any sort or type for three entire months. Yes, that does include credit cards and any other method of legal payment. It also means do not have anyone else spend it for you.

Anyone who would do either thing would be "crazy". Similarly, someone who is addicted to something would tell you that they would be "crazy" for quitting when they have no "good" reason to quit. It's all in the perception. Chemical addictions, and some others as well, come with withdraw symptoms which can be extremely severe.

Over all, it boils down to the question, "what means more to me?"

 

[bravesthope]

I think humans in general have an addictive personality.

I agree with this.

In one of my mental health classes - Alcohol and Other Drugs - the lecturer who is a drug counsellor says some people wear the fact that they have an addictive personality like a badge. "I can't help being addicted to heroin, I just have an addictive personality!"

I think everyone has the potential to be addicted to something, just some are more consuming than others. I don't see the appeal of drugs, I will never let myself get addicted to drugs, alcohol or cigarettes but I have been addicted to relationships (co-dependency) and the internet. All addictions have a purpose behind it and it's usually to escape something, whatever that something may be.

 

[Samuel De Mazarin]

I have an addictive personality, for sure. And it's manifested itself in various obsessions, but people and drugs were the two worst by far. Samuel and I seem to have some things in common. I was never addicted physically to any one chemical, but I was addicted to be intoxicated for a good long while (and it started out as a reaction to losing someone to whom I had gotten myself addicted). Suffice it to say, that I've tried pretty much everything there is to try. I am also an experience junkie, and I have self-control problems. I've learned to deal with it after years of serious debauchery and depression and general crazy behavior. I did learn a lot about myself and how I deal with others, though.

For a while there, I thought I was alone on this thread. I think I (and, from what you're saying, you as well) am the kind of person who could get high off sand, if I really needed to.

BUT... there is a limit... and that limit is: JENKEM

 

[pure_mercury]

For a while there, I thought I was alone on this thread. I think I (and, from what you're saying, you as well) am the kind of person who could get high off sand, if I really needed to.

BUT... there is a limit... and that limit is: JENKEM

Did jenkem every really happen in the Western world? The most outre drug I've tried was probably 5-MeO-DMT. That was strange. Never smoked PCP (to the best of my knowledge), and never did some of the new designer psychedelics (2CB, 2CT7, etc.).

 

[01011010]

What is it?
Anything someone perceives as 'needing' in order to survive. (Material, Substance, or Emotional etc.)

Do you have an addictive personality?
No. Addictions are a waste of time, energy, and possibly money. They also impede personal growth.

What defines an addictive personality?
Compulsive, irrational behavior.

Ever been addicted to anything?
No

 

[Giggly]

What is it? (to you, is it just mental or does it have to have physical symptoms aswell?)

It's when you an irrational yearning for something. I think it can be physical, mental or both.

Do you have an addictive personality?

I think so.


What defines an addictive personality?

You tend to get addicted to things easily.


Ever been addicted to anything?
what?

Food, friends, certain topics that make me think, a variety of activities that amuse me (too many to list)... oh and I can't seem to stop breathing air too.

 

[prplchknz]

To help shine some light, i'll cast a contrast

I have an obsessive personality
damn 4w5's

however,
i am easily bored
or at least little catches my interest
and i too end up changing my focus

so prpl-pollo
what do you think separates you from those people who are addictive ?
aside from what you said

I don't know, that's why I posted this thread. To see if I am that different, or if we're[me and people with addictive personalities] more similar. If the way I deal with things is different, or the fact that i get bored easily tends to prevent me from ever coming addicted. Or if one day I will be addicted to something, if I'm not careful.

and I agree with you I do have an obsessive personality, but then I get bored and move on to something new.

I just got a charger for my computer, so I haven't had my computer for about a week so I'm going to re read this thread and maybe have more opinions later.

 

[Abhaya]

Oh is it my turn? Ok, hello my name is Cameron and I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. :hi:

What is it?
Addiction is like trying to fill the grand canyon full of sand. Another saying is one I picked up in AA. "One drink is too many, one hundred is not enough." This is so true for me. When I used to drink, I had to drink till I was completely fucked. I can't drink casually. Just one sip of it starts this thirst that can never be alleviated.

I also think that addiction to substances might have something to do with trying to fill a spiritual void with carnal indulgences. I am not sure if this can be done. It sure as hell didn't work for me. There was a point in my life where all I cared about was getting drunk. That is what every action throughout the day led up to. It was sad

Do you have an addictive personality?
Yes and how.

What defines an addictive personality?
Someone that has a compulsion to consume or partake in something habitually to the point that it disrupts their life.

Ever been addicted to anything?
Yes

What?
Alcohol, I haven't had a sip since June 26, 2006 and I hope never to go down that road again. A drunken depressed INFP is bad news and empty fish tanks beware.

I am still hooked on pot, tobacco, caffeine, and refined sugar. Baby steps baby steps. But these are nowhere near as bad as my problem with alcohol. I think they just make more lazy, stupid, jittery, and paranoid. But I am ok with that for now.

I also think that genetics has something,( but definitely not all) to do with it. There are a lot of drunks in the ole family tree.

 

[Mole]

Addiction is a trap we set for ourselves.

We are born without control and with the help of our parents, friends and institutions, we learn control by the age of about 22.

At about 22 our brains are fully grown and we are ripe.

And if we are not picked at 22, we start to go off - control starts to turn rancid.

So it is most important we start to learn to give up control for set periods at will.

However after struggling to gain control for 22 years, it seems like madness to give it up - it is counter-intuitive - like the madness of falling in love.

And for those who are undamaged it starts to happen naturally - we start to give up control when we fall in love - but falling in love does appear to the neophite to be madness - but it is a learning experience - we fall in love, then we fall out of love - each time learning how to give up control and then how to regain control - we are starting to mature beyond control.

But for those who are damaged, falling in and out of love is too threatening to the damaged heart.

So the damaged try to control falling in love - they discover that alcohol or narcotics enables them to have sex without falling in love.

This is a great discovery. It enables them to do the impossible - to give up control without giving up control - it enables them to draw a square circle.

But control turned against itself - control controlling control - leads to a vicious cycle.

The more you exert control to get out of the vicious cycle, the more deeply embedded you become - until there is no way out and you are addicted.

And your addiction to control harms not only yourself but your family and friends.

 

[clueless]

Alcohol, I haven't had a sip since June 26, 2006 and I hope never to go down that road again.

Never? OK. Well anyway, that's today - June 26 - so Happy Birthday, Dave!:hi:

 

[Ghost of the dead horse]

What is it? (to you, is it just mental or does it have to have physical symptoms aswell?)
Compulsion to some immediately pleasurable activity.

Do you have an addictive personality?
I think very much so. I guess my life has consisted of varying addictions, like sports, alcohol, work, etc. None has lasted, all have passed. But the constancy of being in addiction is almost unstoppable.

What defines an addictive personality?
Unknown.

Ever been addicted to anything?
what?
Cycling, swimming, running, weight lifting, dieting, alcohol, candy, dating, salty snacks, eating, mathematics, computer games, card games, meeting new friends, planning, organization, collecting, information seeking, learning, and probably few others.

At the moment internet addiction is ruining my life. Today I neglected my need to eat in favor of surfing some more sites, including MBTIc. As a matter of fact, I'll restrict my MBTIc time to saturdays only, for the remainder of the month, as well as the next month.

 

[prplchknz]

Addiction is a trap we set for ourselves.

We are born without control and with the help of our parents, friends and institutions, we learn control by the age of about 22.

At about 22 our brains are fully grown and we are ripe.

And if we are not picked at 22, we start to go off - control starts to turn rancid.

So it is most important we start to learn to give up control for set periods at will.

However after struggling to gain control for 22 years, it seems like madness to give it up - it is counter-intuitive - like the madness of falling in love.

And for those who are undamaged it starts to happen naturally - we start to give up control when we fall in love - but falling in love does appear to the neophite to be madness - but it is a learning experience - we fall in love, then we fall out of love - each time learning how to give up control and then how to regain control - we are starting to mature beyond control.

But for those who are damaged, falling in and out of love is too threatening to the damaged heart.

So the damaged try to control falling in love - they discover that alcohol or narcotics enables them to have sex without falling in love.

This is a great discovery. It enables them to do the impossible - to give up control without giving up control - it enables them to draw a square circle.

But control turned against itself - control controlling control - leads to a vicious cycle.

The more you exert control to get out of the vicious cycle, the more deeply embedded you become - until there is no way out and you are addicted.

And your addiction to control harms not only yourself but your family and friends.

according to this I'm 5 months from my brain being fully matured, though I doubt I actually am.

maybe that's my problem I don't care enough about controlling to control something.

 

[Mole]

Dear Anomie

according to this I'm 5 months from my brain being fully matured, though I doubt I actually am.

maybe that's my problem I don't care enough about controlling to control something.

'Not caring', is an interesting stance. Usually called, "anomie".

Perhaps we could change your name to, "Anomie".

You could tell people you are an individual adrift in a rich industrial society. And you could say, just casually, "I don't care".

And for people to believe you, you will need to dress the part. Your clothes must say, "I don't care about my appearance". And, hey, wash about once a week and never do your hair.

In fact you will be saying to the people around you that you have given up the attempt to control yourself.

This will freak them out. For if you have given up control, perhaps it is contagious. And lo and behold they will start trying to control you.

And then, hey baby - my dear Anomie - you are now in the driver's seat.

You can play their control off against your anomie - for you are not called, "Anomie", for nothing.

It's a bit like sailing - their control is the wind and your anomie is the sail - and there you sit with your hand on the tiller.

Will you take me sailing with you, dear Anomie?

 

[alcea rosea]

What is it? Chocolate, coffee sometimes (I quit drinking coffee for long periods of time for no reason)

Do you have an addictive personality? I don't know.

Ever been addicted to anything? what? Smoking but I quit it a long time ago.

 

[htb]

Copyediting Wikipedia entries when all I'd intended to do was read. So...poorly...written...sometimes.