This article was written by Jim Lang as part of our new series on addiction. In this series, our counselors are sharing how everyone can understand, overcome, and find freedom from addiction.
Every addict asks the same question: “Why?”
The “why” question takes many forms– Why do I struggle with this? Why can’t I stop? Why is it so hard?
There are many different answers to the “why” questions depending on who you ask. Answers can include your family’s influence, your genetics, your trauma, or your foolish choices.
As we have learned more about the brain and how we process thoughts and emotions, addiction experts have studied the body’s responses before and after addictive behavior. While our biology can’t fully explain why addictions occur, understanding what is happening physiologically can help us understand why addictions are so hard to overcome.
Definition: Addiction occurs when a person uses a substance (i.e., alcohol, drugs) or process (i.e., viewing pornography, eating excessively, playing video games endlessly), aka “drug”, which becomes compulsive or habitual and continues to use the “drug” despite a desire to stop and despite painful and powerful consequences.
Addicts were often introduced to a substance or process by accident. Some
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