Research has shown that there are similarities between addictive conditions like alcoholism and drug addiction and many cases of eating disorders which are considered addictive behaviors. The human brain has within it reward centers that are activated when a person feels well, or does something well. This could occur naturally when taking care of the body, behaving sensibly, being praised, experiencing feelings of love and even when exercising.
It is also possible to stimulate the reward centers by artificial means. Drugs of all kinds produce chemical stimulation making it an important aspect of the cause of addiction. The same stimulation is caused by a number of drugs, both legal and illegal. This stimulation also blocks unpleasant feelings. It could explain why people with addictive disorders use them to block feelings that are unbearable. When the reward center is stimulated by drugs, alcohol or abuse of food, they stop functioning in the way they should. Abuse is merely a shortcut to false happiness which doesn’t come from achieving something good.
Incorrect use of these centers is especially common with people who have a personality requiring an excess of reward effects in order for them to feel well. There is accordingly a common factor with many types of addiction: Alcoholism and drug disorders, eating disorders, compulsive sex dependence, compulsive gambling, self-injury and anorexia nervosa (body injuries can stimulate the center in order to protect the body from pain) and even compulsive exercise.
Eating disorders and drug addiction are similar in the fact that the addiction is compulsively developed into an even stronger form regardless of the effect on their health. Serious medical complications do not assure that the addict will give up their addiction. Starvation in anorexia reduces the activity of the hormone Serotonin and in turn reduces the anxiety in a person with an overactive nervous system. Many drug addicts began with compulsive eating before switching to drugs. There are certain hereditary characteristics that increase the risk of eating disorders and drug addiction although the presence of the characteristics does not mean they will become addicts. Addictions are treatable and A Better Tomorrow is waiting to hear from you.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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After reading this article, I wonder just how many people get hooked. I always learn new things here and I really appreciate your thoroughness.
ReplyDeleteMy 17 year old daughter is one of those people who need constant feedback. I've long been worried that she will have problems with drugs. It hasn't happened yet, but I keep pretty close tabs on her. I wish I knew what would make her more secure with herself.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad was an alcoholic and my Mom was always strung out on uppers. It was a hell of a home life. I vowed then, that I would never touch anything that would put me so out of control. I figured if they were both addicts I might have been too. They are both dead now and I've kept clean my entire life. They taught me a lesson I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Shelby. Too often people in your situation would have sunk to the level of their parents. Congratulations on a job well done.
ReplyDeleteAbuse is a shortcut to false happiness. That is pretty profound when you stop to consider it.
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