ADDICTION VERSUS ADDICTIVE-TYPE BEHAVIOURS

The Difference Between Chemical And Mental Addiction Is Small

This week, from November 16 to 23, is Alcoholism Awareness Week. But
while alcoholism is a well known addiction, many others warrant the
same attention. There is a support group for nearly every addiction
possible, but the level of seriousness of addiction varies. A student
with a morning coffee habit is not equivalent to a cocaine addict
looking for a fix-in any discussion of addiction, it's important to
distinguish between addiction and addictive-type behaviour.

The term addiction originally applied solely to substance abuse
- -specifically physical dependence-where the abuser's body required
the substance to function normally. If the substance was no longer
provided, the addict suffered withdrawal symptoms ranging from
anxiety to convulsions and seizures. Today, the definition of
addiction takes into account both physical and psychological
dependence. Physical dependence appears to be the greater of two
evils, though this is not always the case.

"Cocaine, for example, does not cause physical dependence-but it is
considered one of the easiest drugs to get hooked on and one of the
hardest to give up," writes the Canadian Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health.

Psychological dependence is an aspect of both addiction and
addictive-type behaviours. A gambling problem, for example, is
classified as a compulsive behaviour though many refer to it as a
gambling addiction. There is no substance intake and hence no
physical dependence, but psychological dependence is apparent as
compulsive gamblers feel the overwhelming need to gamble-a need which
frequently disrupts their lives.

Yet this does not mean that there are no biochemical connections
between addiction and addictive-type behaviour.

Substance abusers use drugs to elicit a certain feeling or mood that
they are unable to attain without the drug. Biochemically speaking,
the substances which are taken in by the body either interrupt or
facilitate certain biological processes to produce an effect.
Stimulants, such as amphetamines, increase the rate at which neurons,
the components of the nervous system, communicate with each other to
relay a message. Depressants suppress activity in the body by
inhibiting the transmission of excitatory neurotransmitters and
stimulating neurotransmitters that signal processes in the body to slow down.

The "high" that stimulant users achieve is also experienced to a
lesser extent by those engaging in addictive-type behaviour. For
example, excitement triggers the release of dopamine and adrenaline,
which creates a high. To maintain that same "high," those engaging in
addictive-type behaviour must increase their level of engagement in
the activity. They build a tolerance to the activity just as
substance abusers build a tolerance to their drug of choice.

When a colloquial "addict" loses control over his or her behaviour,
it is harder to distinguish addiction from addictive-type behaviour.
The criteria for addiction, including the inability to cut back even
when trying, feeling guilty, and allowing the addiction to disrupt
your life, can signal addictive-type behaviours. In fact, the stigma
associated with addictive-type behaviour is almost as great as the
stigma towards officially classified addictions. A survey by CAMH
showed that 36 per cent of students find it shameful to have a family
member who is a drug addict, 14 per cent find it shameful to be
related to an alcoholic, and 19 per cent find it shameful to be
related to a "gambling addict."

Some addictive-type behaviours are self-perpetuating. You lose money
on a bet, or get a credit card bill for your excessive shopping
spree, and go out and gamble or shop more to make yourself feel
better. In this case, it's not necessarily the activity that the
abuser is craving but a sense of relief or escape. Other impulse
control behaviour such as self-abuse and kleptomania usually stem
from a lack of effective coping mechanisms, resulting in
uncontrollable destructive behaviour.

But just because addictive-type behaviour isn't technically an
addiction doesn't mean it isn't a problem. Regardless of
classification, it can be just as damaging to a person's life as any
addiction. For university students in particular, stress can lead to
addictive-type behaviour that endangers academic success and future
career opportunities. Statistics show that, like addiction,
addictive-type behaviour is most common among youth. A 2003 Stats
Canada report showed that addiction is highest among those aged 15 to
24, and the CAMH reports that people aged 18 to 24 are twice as
likely as adults to develop a gambling problem.

The stigma associated with addiction and addictive-type behaviours
prevents many from seeking help. Those with an impulse control
disorder may feel that since it is not an actual addiction, they
should be able to handle it on their own. This is faulty logic, and
addictive-type behaviours which have spiraled out of control cannot
be dealt with alone. The first step, as they say, is admitting you
have a problem. Then, with the help of friends, family, a counsellor,
or a support group you will be able to move forward.