How To Stop Addictive Behaviors

For someone who doesn’t have an addictive personality or who isn’t addicted to a substance, being able to stop addictive behaviors seems like it would be as simple as telling the person to do so. If you are the person that is experiencing an addiction, though, you know that it isn’t that simple. Chances are that you want to stop addictive behaviors, but you simply are not able to do so.

What’s Behind Addictive Behaviors?

As are people, addictive behaviors are extremely complex. In general, a person becomes addicted to a substance or behavior in both physical and mental ways. Today, many experts accept that addiction is a brain disorder rather than an issue with one’s personality.

This calls into doubt the premise behind an addictive personality. That being said, there are personality traits that have been reported as occurring more often in people who are addicted to substances or activities. Being able to stop addictive behaviors relies on understanding these risks, which include the following behaviors:

Selfishness
Lack of personal goals
Lack of strong friendships or social isolation
Failing to take responsibility for their actions
Lack of impulse control
Manipulating other people and/or dishonesty
Low self-esteem
Thrill-seeking or risky behavior

It’s important to note that just because a person has a few of the personality traits listed above, it does not necessarily mean that they have the kind of personality that makes them more prone to addictions. These traits can, however, increase that person’s risk of becoming addicted to something. That something can be an activity, a substance, or something else altogether.

Dual Diagnosis And Addiction

There is some evidence that shows that people with mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and anti-social personality disorder, could be at higher risk for addiction due to their personality traits. These mental health disorders could make it more difficult for them to stop addictive behaviors, especially if they tried to do so on their own.

This is why it is important for a treatment center to have a dual diagnosis component. It helps people with mental health issues stop addictive behaviors. In some cases, people use addictive substances in order to cope with their mental conditions. In others, the personality traits that lend themselves to a diagnosis of a mental health condition make it more likely that the person will develop an addiction. Regardless, any psychological disorders that are present need to be addressed as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Does Addictive Behavior Mean Withdrawal Symptoms?

There is the assumption that a person addicted to a substance or behavior will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. This is mostly seen in people who try to stop drinking alcohol or using opioids. However, quitting cigarettes, marijuana, or other substances can result in irritation, anxiety, urges to use again, and plans to obtain their substance of choice once again.