Addiction and Eating Disorders

The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances/ drugs such as heroin, cocaine alcohol and other types of drugs. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities, such as gambling, sex, eating, or working. In these circumstances, a person has a behavioral addiction.

Addiction is a chronic disease that results from abusing drugs and medications. The overuse of prescribed opioid painkillers, for example, causes 115 deaths every day in the United States. Most people start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily only to discover that it soon spirals out of control.

When a person experiences addiction, they cannot control how they use a substance or partake in an activity, and they become dependent on it to cope with daily life.

Someone experiencing addiction is likely to exhibit the following:
1) Uncontrollably seeking drugs and an inability to abstain from the substance and/or the addictive behavior despite negative consequences.
2) Uncontrollably engaging in harmful levels of habit-forming behavior and
neglecting or losing interest in activities that do not involve the harmful
substance or behavior.
3) Relationship difficulties, which often involve lashing out at people who
identify the dependency.
4) Increased tolerance for the substance or behavior.
5) Hiding substances or behaviors and otherwise exercising secrecy.
6) Profound changes in appearance, including a noticeable abandonment of
hygiene.
7) Increased risk-taking, both to access the substance or activity and while using it or engaging in it.

I (Lori Alrod) believe it is important to think about addiction as a pain reliever. After all, drugs, alcohol as well as compulsive behavior, function as ways to relieve pain. It is important then when exploring addiction not to ask “why does this person have an addiction ?” , rather to ask “why is this person in emotional pain? “.

Some Helpful Tips
Q: I have a family member with severe addiction, but they refuse to seek help. What is the best way to connect a relative with the care they need?
A: The best way to help your relative/ teen, is to establish trust, so they will believe that you have their best interests in mind. Make sure that any conversation about your concerns does not occur while they are
under the influence. Avoid criticizing or shaming them for their addictive behaviors. Instead, say something like, “I care about you and am worried about your safety and health,” and share your observations about their behavior.

Remember, many people deny that they have problems for a long time. If that happens, don’t challenge them, just remind them that you care, and ask permission to keep checking in with them and seek help and support from a professional.