You raise an intriguing question. For me, it is a grey area. Primarily because we still know so little about brain function. Although many conditions present with similarities, the etiology of each can be divergent. Consequently, preventative measures could be very different. The intersection of scientific research and real world practice remains a most fertile field for the future investment.
posted by okhela
over 2 years ago
Not only is the etiology of each habbit/addiction different, it can manifest differently in different individuals. Some people have more receptors for various kinds of addictive substances.
To my mind tho the distinction between habit and addiction is that when something undexpected happens and disrupts your 'habits' you can usually make an adjustment without too much discomfort. An addiction, however, demands to be fed. Your body/mind won't give you any peace till it is fed, and often become physical ill if you 'starve' it.
posted by feywon
over 2 years ago
Isn't habit a learned good behavior? And we think of addiction as involving some harmful substance or activity. Habits help while addictions damage?
John, I have some good habits as well as some bad habits. Although I believe I'm unique in some ways, I don't think I'm unique in that trait.
posted by okhela
over 2 years ago
I agree, okhela. I would amend John's statment to read "habits can help while addictions damage"
my thoughts exactly SueAnne
posted by gmom5
over 2 years ago
Habits are very different than addiction. I have thought about this alot. I have family members who smoke and are alcoholics. I have hated both of these addictions and thought if they really wanted to quit, they would....but over time and becoming more educated about addiction, I am far less judgmental about it.
I do think some can use these two substances and use them as a habit...addiction doesn't happen to everyone? some just use it as a bandaid....puts them in a better mood.
To me there is a clear distinction between the two.
I can be thrown off a good habit such as exercising and eating right...be in the bad habit of having cookies and candy everyday for a month...oh Lord! but then, get back to my good habit of taking better care of myself again...just takes me awhile because I certainly like candy and cookies:):)
Good morning, my dear friend, starrybright.
We fundamentally disagree on this issue. In terms of what is occurring in the brain, I don't believe there is much difference between a "habit" and an "addiction". Although, current brain research continues to refine our primitive understanding.
The example you cite is a good example of how many addicts stop using for varying periods of time.
Doesn't mean they are no longer addicted. Patterns of addictive use vary even in the same individual with the same drug.
By the way, my friend, have a great day.
posted by okhela
over 2 years ago
Let me ask some of the more learned people here this question: I have heard it said that an alcoholic is always an alcoholic. Ok, I understand that even if you quit imbibing, the craving will still be there, it's a physical thing. Where it went off the track for me was hearing that the mental process that made this person addicted to alcohol is still there. They also still crave the situation that enabled them to drink, so to speak. It was described to me as craving crisis, craving chaos. I don't quite get that. If you learn to stop drinking, wouldn't you also learn to stop that thought process? Does that make sense?
Sam- You are right about both good and bad habits.
Perhaps the conversation indicates the problem in separating the two words. I do know that in doing the New Year's resolutions that more often than not the resolutions aim to change behavior to something that will have a perceived positive result by creating a new habit- take up exercising. But so often too there is the stop smoking, eat better and those things too which are clearly addictions.
So how to separate them? My own orientation is to try to create good habits in myself, in my kids and in others around me. I try to be supportive of anyone giving up an addiction to smoking, gambling, drugs etc. I understand that all involve chemicals in the brain and that we talk about neural paths. Biology is still very unknown to us. I am perplexed about how the justice system fits in.
