You're so right about the word addiction. It can mean anything - even watching TV without a break is an addiction, and in fact a very common addiction. I wrote a post on addiction the other day in which I had stated that all addictions affect the same part of the brain. So whether it is addiction to cocaine or soda addiction, the part of the brain that in involved in creating the addiction is the same.
Oh by the way, Steemit addiction can be good if used in the right manner - i.e. writing highly interesting posts such as you do!
I think addiction to certain websites on the internet could be due to social factors as well as loneliness. For example, I know that Facebook addiction is both, after observing users who either participate aggressively or stay in the background but do login daily. The former is a case of social peer pressure at work and the latter is loneliness. I may be wrong, but that is what I have generally observed.
The Incentive Sensitization Model that you have described is a highly influential factor that facilitates addiction, in my opinion. This is the part of the brain that I mentioned earlier that does not look at what type of addiction it is, but creates a permanent addiction whatever it might be.
The Rational Choice Model of Addiction is quite interesting too. I had a friend who would order several cases of soda for the entire family as he thought that the sugar and fizz in the soda would add to the feel-good factor in his house. He even used to encourage all his friends to follow his example!
I am sure that many who read this post will feel that their knowledge about addiction has increased considerably. For most people every addiction is the same and the person who is an addict is someone who is helpless, even looked down upon.
Whenever I watch documentaries on drug addiction, or come across people living with any sort of addiction I cannot help but link their situation to anxiety, sadness and stress.
This is so true. If people know how to manage their stress and anxiety they can easily win the fight against addiction without extensive treatment or rehabilitation.
Thank you for the excellent content!
Absolutely correct! The mesolimbic pathway to do with memory, motivation, reward etc.. when under the influence of dopamine, that is it! And like you said, whether it is because of a substance or behaviour the brain/mind pattern is the same!
I agree with what you said about loneliness driving people into social-media addiction! Emotional-psychological factors are contributors that play a huge role in initiating addictions.
What a great illustration of the Rational Choice Model of addiction you brought me here! Thank you. I am always fascinated and interested in learning about people's unique approach to feeling better. Although, I truly wish that people understood that it doesn't really need to get to that point. Because like you said, through adopting activities that lessen stress levels and anxiety one would need to go looking for fixes :/
This is a complex topic!
Thank you once again my dear for taking the time to read my work and leave such a beautiful, meaningful comment. I always, always learn from your comments :)
Have a wonderful week ahead! :*