Addiction comes in many forms, and you can be addicted to anything, not just illegal substances alone. In fact, the saying holds true: it really isn’t what you use or do, anything in excess is always a bad thing. If a behavior or consumption has come to the point that it’s disturbing, unhealthy, and destructive, then it has become an addiction.
The disease of addiction can manifest itself in many ways: drugs, gambling, alcohol, sex, food, exercise, cutting, extreme sports, and so many more. And people are just more prone to be addicted to something compared to others.
The question now is, what makes one person have a predisposition to an addictive personality?
The Factors of Addictive Personality
There are two factors at play that tell if a person has an addictive personality: genetics and brain chemistry. It’s just how certain people are wired and in how they are genetically made up.
Also, in a study, there are also other personality traits that belie addictive personality in a person:
- Impulsive behavior
- Difficulty delaying gratification
- Antisocial personality
- Disposition towards constant sensation seeking
- High value on non-conformity and deviant behavior
- Sense of social alienation
- Sense of heightened stress and anxiety
There are also some physiological, biological, and environmental factors that contribute to a person having addictive personality:
- Abnormal levels of dopamine in the brain
- Underlying mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder
- Low tolerance to stress
- Poor coping skills
- Poor self-control
- Low self-esteem
- High sensitivity to emotions
- Insecurity in social settings, especially in relationships
- Inclination to taking risks
Having an addictive personality doesn’t make you an automatic addict. It just means you are at higher risk of developing an addiction. However, keep in mind that not everyone who have this personality ends up addicted. This only serves as a way for you to be aware so that you will keep your emotions and impulses in check. Keeping yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy is a strong defense.
Do you already know now that you have and addictive personality? Or have you already succumbed to a substance or behavioral addiction? Let us help you out before it’s too late. Call or text us at 09175098826 (Manila) or 09177046659 (Cebu).
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