Addiction

Caution. This article/definition is in draft form and at this time may constitute no more than rough notes, reminders for required content, or absolutely nothing at all. Content is subject to revision.

An addiction is a substance or behavioural dependency, linked to dopamine/serotonin release in the brain. Any substance, activity, or technology that can trigger a dopamine pleasure hit can become an addiction.

Notes

Potentially addictive substances/activities -> Heroine, cocaine, running, shopping, Facebook/social media use, masturbation, sex,

Chronic emotional and psychological anguish can make you susceptible to addiction. This is because addictive substances give your brain much needed "pleasure" fixes. When you lack the hugs, kisses, and positive nurturing support all humans desperately need, you find substances that can give you the "hits" your Physical Unit desperately needs.

Addiction (whether it is to alcohol, shopping, money, etc.) can control your thoughts and govern your daily actions. Addiction causes you, among other things, to waste psychological and emotional energy on Addiction Defenses.

We lose valuable time defending our addiction, that could be used for healing and connection and instead waste in on our addictive behaviors. We defend our addictions by covering it up, by spending valuable time “servicing” the addiction, etc. Addictions can also directly undermine your body’s ability to connect. You can’t be properly connect while stupefying yourself with alcohol.