Inhalant and Process Addiction

Inhalant and Process Addiction

            Researchers believe that there are similarities and differences between behavioral and substance addiction. The similarities and differences are identified through the diagnostic symptoms of addicts. Process addiction can be stimulated by any habit that changes to an obligation. The victim becomes so committed to a particular behavior that they can not go for long durations without repeatedly engaging in it (Thombs & Osborn, 2019). Usually, it is a way of seeking psychological satisfaction. Substance addicts share the same traits, only that their source of addiction is drugs. Often, addiction is viewed as physical dependence characterized by symptoms such as withdrawal (Earp, Wudarczyk, Foddy, & Savulescu, 2017). A person must exhibit such symptoms for them be diagnosed with an addiction disorder. Behavioral addiction can occur with all negative consequences associated with addiction and hurt a person’s life. The main difference between substance and process addiction is the physical issues that people engaging in substance abuse get.

In most cases, process addiction does not leave any physical evidence in the addicts. This is because process addiction is usually indicative of a behavioral attachment (Inaba, Cohen, & Holstein, 2007). A process addiction victim continues to engage in activities that impact their ability to remain mentally or physically healthy. The victim’s functional behavior is affected as they cannot perform their duties as required. Behavioral addicts find their practices rewarding psychologically while engaging in their usual activities. The guilt that comes after their actions is associated with the consequences of failure.

Their continued choice of activities curbs their ability to be productive hence leading to guilt. Behavioral addiction victims suffer the same consequences as other addicts. They cannot independently stop engaging in their usual activities unless they are treated. People participate in different activities, both whether at work, school, or home. However, not all activities that a person engages in is considered an addiction. This is because a person controls the choice they make. The decisions are made thoughtfully, with various intentions in mind. The intentions behind an action characterize standard behaviors and addictions.

A person can decide to eat whenever they feel hungry. Food addicts eat even when they are not hungry (Thombs & Osborn, 2019). The choice to eat even when one does not need food is considered unhealthy. This kind of behavior become impulsive in that the victims cannot control them. Their practices start harming them both physically and mentally (Inaba, Cohen, & Holstein, 2007). A person who eats even when they are not hungry can turn out to be diabetic. This is one of the consequences of behavior addiction. It has been argued that behaviors can not lead to addiction. However, this does not seem right as the victims are unable to stop engaging in their usual activity of choice voluntarily. In the current age, there are many children addicted to games and the internet. The consequences are evident through school performances. Many children cannot complete their assignments as they use all their time on either games or the internet. Their parents are forced to intervene as a way of shaping their behavior.

The same kind of addiction is seen among drug addicts. Drugs like alcohol have led many people to lose their job. They go to work drunk despite knowing that it is against the rule (Earp, Wudarczyk, Foddy, & Savulescu, 2017). The roles of alcohol addicts are important to them. However, the urge to take alcohol takes control of them.

In conclusion, the consequences of behavior and drug addiction may be different. However, addicts on both latter suffer the same kind of urge only that is directed towards behavior or a drug. Behavioral and drug addicts all need intervention to get over their practices. Behavioral and drug addiction are the same (Inaba, Cohen, & Holstein, 2007). Victims suffer the consequences of their actions in both. Early detection is one of the ways to assist these individuals. Rehabilitation, specialized training, and education are some of the methods that can be used to address addiction challenges.

References

Earp, B. D., Wudarczyk, O. A., Foddy, B., & Savulescu, J. (2017). Addicted to love: What is love addiction, and when should it be treated?. Philosophy, psychiatry, & psychology: PPP, 24(1), 77.

Thombs, D. L., & Osborn, C. J. (2019). Introduction to addictive behaviors. Guilford Publications.

Inaba, D. S., Cohen, W. E., & Holstein, M. E. (2007). Uppers, downers, all arounders. Physical and mental effects of psychoactive drugs.