Addiction and the “ Why Can ’ t They Stop? ” Enigma

Why can’t they stop? This is perhaps the most elusive question posed when it comes to addiction. The answer is just as elusive — fleeting, incomprehensible, and illusory, like a ghost amidst shadows in the night. When we ask the question, we are baffled as to why those addicted to particular substances or behaviors continue to use or engage — regardless of the negative physical, psychological, and social effects. We cannot seem to intricately understand why some people decide to walk right off the cantilever of life — falling into a seemingly inescapable abyss. The question is definitely not an easy one to answer — even with advancements in addiction research. The elusive nature of the question is fueled by the complexity of human beings — within sociocultural, psychological, and corporeal contexts — where addiction’s causes and genes are enshrouded in layers of obscurity and inconclusiveness. Regardless, the question does reveal and unmask how our society conceptualizes and approaches addiction. Re-examining needs and wants When we ask the why-can’t-they-stop question, what does that really mean to us and to those with an addiction? Manifestly, we — as loved ones, friends, colleagues, authorities, and community members — want those in the midst of addiction to stop for a variety of reasons: they are hurting themselves, hurting loved ones, compromising their career, etc. Yet, do we ever think that latently, we want them to...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Addictions Alcoholism Binge Eating Eating Disorders Grief and Loss Health Insurance Loneliness Psychology Psychotherapy Substance Abuse Treatment Addiction Recovery Alcohol Abuse Coping Skills Self Medication Source Type: news