Addictions: the possibility of change
Addictions: the possibility of change
What are the stages of a behavioral addiction (substance abuse, pathological overeating, excessive exercise, compulsive sexual behavior, gambling, internet addiction, compulsive shopping)? What are the differences between men and women? What role does age play? What can online therapy do?
Regular readers of this blog will know that we often address the topic of dependence, focusing especially on dependent emotional bonds.
In this article, instead, we will shed light on the various stages through which any kind of behavioral addiction takes shape; and secondly, we’ll focus on the differences between men and women, on addiction involving substance abuse, and on how age can also play a relevant role in the overall picture.
Commonly, the concept of addiction is associated with the abuse of legal and illegal substances. It’s important to clarify, however, that there’s a whole series of abuses—perhaps less striking than alcohol or drugs when it comes to “pleasure” or “vice,” yet still important: food, sex, gambling (in their pathological facets). These forms of gratification can in fact generate addiction and are increasingly the subject of medical studies and research. This is because the symptoms of these “bad habits” are increasingly similar to, and comparable with, those of a person with drug addiction issues; ultimately stemming from the same deficit in impulse control.
The stages of all behavioral addictions
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Great excitement or a sense of emotional tension when we are about to perform the action,
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Great relief, a sense of satisfaction, immediately after the action is performed;
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Inability to resist the impulse and disregard for risk (possible harmful consequences for oneself, one’s family, social relationships, or work are pushed into the background).
Beyond substance abuse, this umbrella also includes pathological overeating, excessive exercise, compulsive sexual behavior, gambling, excessive use of social media or electronic devices, compulsive shopping, and fixations.
It is the excessive desire to perform a given action—impulsivity and compulsivity—that gives rise to what’s known as craving. Secondly, as tolerance to that intake or action develops, one seeks to increase frequency in order to re-experience those apparently beneficial sensations and to calm irritability or restlessness.
It is precisely withdrawal symptoms that drive unpleasant relapses and make abstaining from the pathological behaviors difficult.
Differences between men and women in addiction
According to several studies on differences in substance use or gratifying activities between men and women, an interesting detail has emerged: the female gender seems more inclined to escalate quickly into dependence. Nevertheless, medical and pharmacological statistics on addictions indicate that only 1 in 5 patients is female. The difference, however, is that women’s withdrawal symptoms appear to be more severe and insidious than men’s, with higher peaks of anxiety or depression.
The age factor: young people and adults in addictions
Again, numerous studies show it’s a mistake to think substance abuse concerns only younger age groups. This is supported by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, in its drugs focus titled: “Substance use among older adults: a neglected problem.” According to this document, the issue of dependence (substances, alcohol, medications) is rising significantly precisely among older age groups.
In this regard, a profile of the older user has also emerged:
- On the one hand, there are individuals who were unfortunate enough to start using substances early (very young); typically this group continues using for a long time, often remaining dependent even in old age,
- On the other hand, there are later-onset individuals. Among these, it appears they began engaging in pathological behaviors typically due to stressful events (job loss, divorce, bereavement, health problems, social isolation).
Genetic predisposition
Not only gender and age, but genetic predisposition often figures among the main causes of addiction. Statistics also show that people from family environments with histories of drugs, alcohol, or addiction—and even anxiety or depression—are more predisposed to repeat that family history, both at a genetic level and due to environmental influence.
In the case of drug addiction in particular, the youngest often pay the highest price: starting substance use too early makes it harder for the brain to resist dependence. Moreover, the specific substance used is crucial in the development of addiction. Psychotropic medications and cocaine, for example, can induce dependence fairly quickly.
What can online therapy do
Substance dependence should not be seen as a life sentence: change is possible, and online therapy can help with this through a steady and mindful course of care, whose key points are first and foremost:
- Motivation: it must come from the patient themself; only they can take back the reins of their life. Family, friends, or a partner can only guide and support that choice; but motivation belongs to the patient.
- Readiness to change: a change that may waver at times and thus must be monitored and safeguarded;
- A solid alliance between psychotherapist and patient, based on trust, empathy, truth, listening, and absence of judgment, in order to reach the goals of recovery.
For information, write to Dr. Jessica Zecchini.
Email contact consulenza@jessicazecchini.it, WhatsApp 370 32 17 351.
