What Classifies As An Addiction

​By: Samuel Hollman, Moroni Channel
Pauls Valley Oklahoma, USA

Many think that an addiction has to do with time, but I did research in search of what an addiction really is. The definition is-

An addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. An addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

Although commonly referred to through a time stamp, it really is considered based upon sense of craving or compulsion to do something. Though weather it is a sex, alcohol, drug, or smoking addiction, they all start somewhere.

​It is always easier to not subcome to an addiction by not acting out onto what may become an addiction. Recognizing that we have an addiction is the first step in any sobering period.