Addiction represents a biological, psychological, and social phenomenon (different definitions place varying significance on each of these segments) of compulsive and excessive use of psychoactive substances or risky behaviors, despite harmful consequences, and the dominance of that substance or behavior over other aspects of life.
It includes an overwhelming desire to consume addictive substances, either regularly or occasionally, with the aim of achieving a psychological effect or avoiding discomfort caused by the lack of the addictive substance. Often, the term addiction evokes images of homeless individuals who have dropped out of school, barely speak, and use drugs in dark and dirty alleys. However, it is important to understand that addiction can happen to anyone and that one can become addicted to almost anything.
Although we usually associate addiction with the use of legal or illegal substances, research suggests that addiction is increasingly manifesting through addictive behaviors. These behaviors, which often spiral out of control, can seriously impair a person’s health and social functioning. Some examples of addictive behaviors include gambling, internet addiction, video game addiction, shopping addiction, work addiction, and other behaviors that can become uncontrollable habits.
It is important to emphasize that not every person who consumes certain substances or engages in certain behaviors will automatically become addicted. The development of addiction is a gradual process. If drinking alcohol with friends on the weekends brings us satisfaction and enjoyment, we may occasionally relax in that way. The key component for enjoyment is awareness. The desire for a sense of pleasure is a universal motive, and when we have various ways to achieve that feeling, we are not at risk of addiction and do not enter the next phase in the process of addiction development—habit. Addiction occurs precisely when we choose the wrong ways to feel better. This can be illustrated through the piano model. Imagine your life as a piano, where all the activities and habits you use to improve your mood are like keys. The more keys you have, the richer, more beautiful, and more pleasant the music of your life is. Even if you have some keys that aren’t quite good (like alcohol, energy drinks…), if you have enough others that you use evenly, those bad tones won’t significantly damage your melody.
The process of addiction development is individual and depends on three factors: personality, substances/risky behaviors, and environment. Personality factors include lack of self-confidence, underdeveloped social skills, a positive attitude towards substance use, the desire to prove oneself in socially unacceptable ways, a tendency towards risky behaviors… Environmental factors encompass all the systems in which the individual exists, primarily the family, school, or workplace. The style of communication within the family, parenting styles, expression of emotions, and social circles are just some of the components that can play a role in the development of addiction. The third factor relates to the addictive substance. Whether a young person will try an addictive substance is influenced by whether the substance is illegal or legal, whether its use is widely accepted among adults—as in the case of smoking cigarettes—whether it is popular among young people, and whether it is legally regulated.
Finally, it is important to know that addiction can happen at any time and to anyone, which is why we all need to be informed about this topic. This knowledge is crucial for us, for our healthy and fulfilling life.
Anisa Čelik
