Addictive Behavior

By now, most parents understand the risks of narcotic drugs and some parents have even started taking precautions to ensure their children aren’t abusing over the counter drugs found in their homes. While it is important to appreciate the dangers that exist in these substances and to talk to children and teens about them, it is also important not to lose sight of behaviors that can be just as harmful. The Choking Game, an activity in which teens strangle themselves or others to achieve a momentary high from decreased oxygen to the brain, is just one of these dangerous games kids play.

Traditionally, addiction was understood to involve a need for an actual substance like tobacco or alcohol; this definition, however, is changing. Addictions that involve behaviors – think excessive gambling or internet use – are currently the subject of intense research. In fact, the newest update to the tools used for diagnosing mental illnesses and disorders, the DSM-V, included the category of behavioral addiction, which had previously been left out.

As a result of these new developments, the working definition of addiction has been updated to include the following attributes:

• The behavior is continued despite adverse effects;
• The addicted individual demonstrates a loss of control, which includes difficulty cutting back, meeting self-defined limits or stopping once the behavior starts;
• And cravings or urges to do the behavior.

 

Source: Culture of Safety