Читать книгу Overcoming Internet Addiction For Dummies - David N. Greenfield - Страница 49

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, addiction is really a part of normal brain reaction and functioning and is hardwired into our brain’s development. We’re designed to engage in pleasurable behaviors that were originally linked to enhance our survival, such as food and sex. Nature created the reward system in our brains (and in most mammalian brains) to facilitate our engaging in survival behaviors that are linked to pleasurable dopamine. These ancient parts of our brains are what make us all susceptible to addiction. The old stereotype that you become addicted only if you have an “addictive personality” is not based on sound science; the fact is that if you have a brain, you have some susceptibility to addiction.

Granted, there are genetic, epigenetic, and environmental contributing factors to addiction, but as I’ve said, the basic potential for addiction is hardwired into all of us. There is always an evolutionary part to addiction, where modern pleasurable triggers such as drugs, alcohol, calorie-dense foods, pornography, the Internet, video games, social media, shopping, and gambling all piggyback on those original dopamine survival pathways.

Addiction is never solely about willpower, character, motivation, or honesty. Society often labels an addict as having deficiencies in these areas because the addict may appear to be displaying socially undesirable behavior. Addiction is a neurobiological disorder with significant psychological, social, spiritual, and physical impacts; no one chooses to be an addict to any substance or behavior (although they do have to choose not to be one). An understandable error is often made by those who love an addict. I see parents and family members become angry at their loved one for being an addict and engaging in negative behaviors that are typical of addicts. For instance, addicts almost always lie. Mainly, they lie to themselves in the form of rationalization and denial. This is necessary to continue their addictive behavior. After all, how can you be an addict and at the same time be honest with yourself that you are suffering from significant life consequences from watching 10 to 14 hours of YouTube, playing video games all day and night, never putting your smartphone down, or living on social media? It is hard to objectively see the deterioration in your relationships, your school or work performance, or your health, sleep, and personal hygiene.

Addiction is a normal human medical problem. And, as with all medical problems, people may need help. It is important not to judge our addicted loved ones, although it is understandable how they become frustrating to deal with. Illness is unfortunately part of the normal human condition, and addiction is no exception.