ADDICTION/ COMPULSION-HABITUATION EXPLAINED

What is the difference between addiction and compulsion? The explanation now given is but one so therefore, is sure to check others. In this article, compulsion and habituation are considered synonymous.  The classic definition of compulsion is the drive to continuously repeat a certain behavior like combing one’s hair.

Addiction generally means that the stimuli are a chemical of some kind like heroin. Although there can be   a few that can limit their usage, most find that as the chemical increases in their system they build a tolerance so they need more and more. The drug be it chemical, pill, or smoke keeps a person wanting more. If they should withdraw, they suffer. They are addicted. Additionally, some can become more addicted quickly than others. This is probably due to genetics, environment or both.

Compulsion means that an individual sees something or learns something that is generally dangerous to themselves or others. Compulsions can be less visible. Watching hardcore pornography is habituating.  That means there is withdrawal from organic chemicals or an imbalance in bio- chemicals that particularly due to the loss of seeing the movies. Many things that are not visibly inculcated into one’s system are more likely to become compulsions. You don’t over dose on porn, but you become very irritable and withdrawn. It can ruin your life. Compulsions are due to again genetics, environment or both.

Both addiction and compulsion are diseases. Why? Some become much more vulnerable to both than others. This vulnerability means that contact is likely to end with hospitalization. The disease aspect means the level of defense against the above is quite low. There are some addictions and compulsions that just are “catching” to some and not to others. The bio-chemical, cognitive imbalance and crimnogenic environments are the outer stimuli. The internal defense is the internal trigger.

Although both drug and porn terms and related have woven themselves into our culture, they are serious, and in some instances kill. Now check the other position that indicates that the topic discussed is generally a rational choice made from a psychological and sociological calculus.

Prof. Joel C. Snell

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