The Covid pandemic has brought about a host of challenges in its wake. It is an unexpected situation which seems to have no end in sight. Being confined indefinitely at home has brought about stress and family members getting on each other’s nerves. This has led to negativity and young and old resorting to habits that turn into addictions such as substance abuse (binge eating, alcoholism, smoking), pornography, gaming and getting hooked on the social media. Addiction is escapism which seeks to minimize pain and maximize pleasure. This is an increasing mental health issue.
What are some of the causes of addiction?
• Some psychologists opine that genetics could have a role.
• Childhood trauma, physical, verbal and psychological abuse that shatters confidence and faith in human kind.
• Social and peer group pressure.
• Either poor parental supervision or overprotective parents.
• Wanting to experiment a substance as a lark with game changing consequences
• Escapism
• Environmental changes such as being in a hostel far from home
• Lack of social support
• Poor coping skills
• Being different. One feels like a fish out of water if one has to relocate to another place. Perhaps one has to relocate to the States to baby sit one’s grandkids.
How does one realize that one is slipping into addictive behavior?
• Craving : Seeking any justification for substance abuse such as alcoholism.
• Increased tolerance : As we keep on taking eating, for instance, we gradually need more food to keep us happy and thus go on a binge.
• Loss of control as addiction gives one a physical and psychological high.
• Withdrawal symptoms : Physical or emotional changes when one cannot indulge in addictive behavior characterized by irritability and violence.
• Neglecting alternate sources of enjoyment. I’d rather watch TV than read a book.
• Continued use of the substance, for instance tobacco, despite being aware of the consequences such as self harm and damage to close relationships.
• Psychologists advise that if an individual meets four of the above six criteria, then the time for denial is over and he/she needs to seek help.
Steps to overcome an addiction:
• Reaching out to family and friends alone for support rarely yields results as by being supportive and loving, they inadvertently become enablers. Furthermore, they are untrained. Hence when they don’t get the desired results, they feel overwhelmed and helpless. It is difficult to continue to love someone when he/she is unable to change for the better.
• Accept that addiction is a mental disorder needing professional help. It is a malfunction in the circuits of the brain causing repetitive damaging behavior. Scientists have found a ‘reward pathway’ in the brain which keeps on getting activated.
• Education does not stop with school and college studies. If we feel that we are slipping into an addiction, knowledge and research are the first steps towards change. It is suggested by experts that we understand the options open to us. Discuss with our near and dear ones strategies to get out of these sinking sands. They should realize that we are hurting inside. Read up and be aware of tried and tested solutions.
• Talk to professionals to find out the best therapeutic approach to our particular addiction. Go for the necessary treatment. Thinking that I have the wherewithal to get over my addiction by myself is a utopian dream.
• Unfortunately in our society there is a social stigma attached to addiction as if the person is bad. This is due to a lack of knowledge. Don’t be afraid of scorn and criticism. Our wellbeing is more important than the gossip of idle tongues.
• Today there are a host of helplines and support groups that one could resort to.
• Counsellors urge us to be patient with ourselves and request our family and friends to be forbearing as anger often results in our becoming more secretive. They should listen to our point of view, accept relapses as a part of the process of getting cured. They should be alert to signs of our slipping back our old ways. Experts say that the opposite of addiction is connection to people who really love one – not the superficial connections of the social media. In this way one will feel less isolated and have a sense of belonging.
• At the times when one is rational, request them to set boundaries, to be neither too harsh nor too lenient.
• Remember that one is unique and an individual who does not want to throw one’s life away. Getting over an addiction requires every ounce of strength and willpower. Withdrawal entails getting frustrated and feeling helpless. May be a change of scenery such as a vacation in a quiet place close to nature and “far from the madding crowd” could help in recharging batteries. Getting over an addiction ultimately is a choice one has to make.
• Spend some time in prayer and meditation to bring about some calmness to our tumultuous brain.
The consequences of addictive behavior are too steep. It affects relationships within the family and others too. The path to abundant living is strewn with challenges but be confident that one will overcome these challenges.
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