Beyond Substances: The Prevalence of Addiction in the Modern World

Last week, I released an episode with Dr. Raju Hajela on the Biopsychosocial and spiritual approach to mental health and addiction (Listen Here). I was also honoured to spend significant time at Dr. Hajela's clinic last week and see the impact of his team's work. But I was also forced to look inside myself and reflect. One of the biggest things that jumped out to me was a different perception of addiction. Typically, we understand addiction in the obvious sense, for example, alcohol, substances, gambling and porn. However, what we tend to overlook is some of the other forms of addiction that are often glorified in society. As I reflected more and more, I started to consider my need for exercise, overworking myself at times, and the need to find a healthy balance with everything. I learned that addiction is a disease, and when we start to look at it as such, we understand and look at it from a different perspective. I also realized that recovery from this disease is an ongoing battle and a never-ending journey.

So, what do we do to improve this journey? Dr. Hajela mentioned something valuable in the podcast episode - "Pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice." That stuck with me, and reflecting further, the choice we can make to avoid suffering is to be brutally honest. That honesty begins with ourselves and accepting things for what they are. We prolong our suffering by lying or deceiving ourselves and avoiding solutions to our self-induced problems. Once we can be honest and accept that there may be a problem, we can choose to do something about it - thereby gaining more agency. Another profound thought Dr. Hajela shared was that life happens for all of us, but what we do with what's happened allows us to derive meaning. Adversity, difficulty, tragedy, loss, grief, and trauma will happen to all of us in some shape or form, but we all have a choice. Quite often, the addiction serves as an escape or a chase that we constantly pursue, seeking to numb the pain. Unfortunately, the suffering continues.

The landscape of addiction extends far beyond chemical dependencies. Our modern lifestyle, characterized by constant connectivity and societal pressures, has given rise to a myriad of addictive behaviours that go beyond substances. From social media and technology to exercise and even approval-seeking behaviours, addiction manifests in diverse and often subtle ways. In this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to delve into the prevalence of addiction in our society, exploring unconventional perspectives and shedding light on the complexities of addictive behaviours beyond substances.

The Rise of Non-Substance Addictions:

Traditionally, addiction has been synonymous with substance abuse. However, the advent of technology and the proliferation of social media have ushered in a new era of addictive behaviours. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that excessive social media use can lead to addiction-like symptoms, including withdrawal and mood disturbances (Andreassen et al., 2012). The constant stream of notifications, likes, and shares can trigger dopamine release, reinforcing compulsive behaviour akin to substance addiction.

Similarly, the pursuit of physical perfection through exercise can morph into a compulsive behaviour known as exercise addiction. Research suggests that individuals who excessively engage in exercise may experience withdrawal symptoms and prioritize workouts over other obligations (Szabo, 2010). While exercise is generally viewed as a healthy activity, when taken to extremes, it can become a destructive addiction with adverse physical and psychological consequences.

Furthermore, the quest for external validation and approval can fuel addictive behaviours. Whether seeking validation through social media likes, professional achievements, or interpersonal relationships, the relentless pursuit of approval can become all-consuming. Psychologists have identified approval addiction as a pattern of behaviour characterized by an excessive need for validation from others (Malkin, 2017). This dependency on external validation can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues, perpetuating a cycle of approval-seeking behaviour.

Understanding the Complexities of Addiction:

To address addiction comprehensively, it's essential to recognize that addictive behaviours stem from various underlying factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and psychological vulnerabilities. While substances like drugs and alcohol directly alter brain chemistry, non-substance addictions hijack the brain's reward system through different mechanisms, such as social reinforcement and validation.

Moreover, societal norms and cultural attitudes play a significant role in shaping addictive behaviours. The pervasive use of social media and technology, coupled with societal pressures to achieve perfection and success, creates fertile ground for addiction to thrive. As a result, individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of compulsive behaviours, seeking temporary relief or validation without deeper fulfillment.

Shifting Perspectives and Promoting Wellness:

To combat the prevalence of addiction in our society, we must adopt a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes while promoting wellness and resilience. This entails fostering healthier relationships with technology, practicing moderation in all aspects of life, and cultivating self-awareness to recognize and mitigate addictive tendencies.

Furthermore, prioritizing mental health education and destigmatizing seeking help for addictive behaviours are crucial steps in promoting recovery and resilience. By acknowledging addiction as a multifaceted issue encompassing substances and non-substances alike, we can foster a more inclusive dialogue and provide support to those struggling with various forms of addiction.

The prevalence of addiction in modern society extends beyond traditional notions of substance abuse, encompassing a diverse array of addictive behaviours rooted in technology, social dynamics, and societal pressures. By recognizing the complexities of addiction and adopting a broader perspective, we can better understand its manifestations and work towards promoting wellness and resilience in our communities. Through education, support, and a shift in cultural attitudes, we can empower individuals to break free from the grips of addiction and lead fulfilling, balanced lives.

References:

1. Andreassen, C. S., Torsheim, T., Brunborg, G. S., & Pallesen, S. (2012). Development of a Facebook Addiction Scale. Psychological Reports, 110(2), 501–517. https://doi.org/10.2466/02.09.18.PR0.110.2.501-517

2. Malkin, C. (2017). Rethinking Narcissism: The Bad — and Surprising Good — About Feeling Special. Harper Perennial.

3. Szabo, A. (2010). Addiction to Exercise: A Symptom or a Disorder? New York: Nova Science Publishers.

A snippet of the Episode

Head to YouTube for the full episode. Or Subscribe below:

Quote of the Week:

Sponsors

BetterHelp: ⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of therapy

BetterHelp’s mission is to make therapy more affordable and more accessible, and this is an important mission because finding a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re limited to the options in your area. BetterHelp is a platform that makes finding a therapist easier because it’s online and remote, and by filling out a few questions, BetterHelp can match you to a professional therapist in as little as a few days.

We Are Wild for 25% off your first order: ⁠⁠⁠https://zen.ai/EZ23⁠⁠

Four Sigmatic for 10% of your order use code: “EZCONVERSATIONS” at checkout.

Would you like to work with me?

Book a 1:1 Call with me! I am taking on new clients in April and offering a free consultation.

Join my Renewed Resilience course starting on March 13:

Subscribe to the Podcast and Newsletter