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Is addiction a choice or not?
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:11 pm
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:11 pm
With the FDA's decision today to approve prescribing Oxycontin for 11-16 year olds, I'm curious as to what the OTB thinks about addiction.
Is addiction a choice or not? Is it a mix of the two? Personally, just from experience and education on the subject, I believe there's a lot of variables to the answer but I tend to lean on the side of for most it's not. There's always been correlations between heritability in addiction and a neurological basis that could argue that addiction to a substance is easily attainable for some more than others. And that a lack of education on this can contribute to someone, unaware of these correlations, to pick up a substance not realizing how easily they can become addicted. On the flipside of that I've dealt with family with a pill addiction that has progressed and it's easy to want to pull the "just fricking stop" card after seeing what it's done to other family members closer to them than myself.
I also believe that pain management clinics and some doctors contribute to addiction by knowingly prescribing pain medication like candy (which makes me incredibly worrisome over the FDA's recent decision working with kids that age) without much to keep them legitimately in check.
Obviously we have some folks around here who are addicts and recovering addicts themselves, which makes me really interested in the potential discussion.
Is addiction a choice or not? Is it a mix of the two? Personally, just from experience and education on the subject, I believe there's a lot of variables to the answer but I tend to lean on the side of for most it's not. There's always been correlations between heritability in addiction and a neurological basis that could argue that addiction to a substance is easily attainable for some more than others. And that a lack of education on this can contribute to someone, unaware of these correlations, to pick up a substance not realizing how easily they can become addicted. On the flipside of that I've dealt with family with a pill addiction that has progressed and it's easy to want to pull the "just fricking stop" card after seeing what it's done to other family members closer to them than myself.
I also believe that pain management clinics and some doctors contribute to addiction by knowingly prescribing pain medication like candy (which makes me incredibly worrisome over the FDA's recent decision working with kids that age) without much to keep them legitimately in check.
Obviously we have some folks around here who are addicts and recovering addicts themselves, which makes me really interested in the potential discussion.
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Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:19 pm to BluegrassBelle
Its a mix. I was addicted to nicotine for 17 yrs. Until I chose not to be anymore.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:32 pm to BluegrassBelle
It's a choice. It is the persons choice to start whatever they become addicted too.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:37 pm to BluegrassBelle
I quit dipping not to long ago and after one day my jaw was killing me and also my legs. After doing research I found out that your body will actually manufacture pain to get what it wants. Still did not stop me from quitting.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:46 pm to BluegrassBelle
I'll be honest: I honestly don't know. I have no experience with addiction personally (at least not to substances and the like), but like everyone else have seen how it can/does affect many who are/were close to me.
I just try to be there as someone to lean on for those who are struggling with addiction. Without allowing them to take advantage of me, of course (easier said than done).
I just try to be there as someone to lean on for those who are struggling with addiction. Without allowing them to take advantage of me, of course (easier said than done).
Posted on 8/14/15 at 6:48 pm to BluegrassBelle
It's not and I'm speaking from experience.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:10 pm to BluegrassBelle
It's a choice, but a fricking tough one. We're all very used to being comfortable in this modern age, so the slightest uneasy feeling drives most to reach for a drug of some sort, whatever that may be. Some are destructive, some aren't. At the end of the day though, I don't expect everyone to be able to overcome addiction. Hell, some can't get their face out of their cell phone while driving, all while they're probably posting a comment on facebook about a drug addict.
In short, not everyone is the same, and the level of addiction differs from person to person. If someone has never been taught discipline, they will have a hard time overcoming it. Every circumstance is unique IMO.
ETA: And a lot of times people love to sit on their ivory tower and speak of what someone should do, all while never realizing some people don't have as much reason to live or care about the future. Some don't have a single person that is concerned about their well-being.. I'm greatful for my supporting cast in life because there's a shite ton of people that don't have what I do, or anyone for that matter.
In short, not everyone is the same, and the level of addiction differs from person to person. If someone has never been taught discipline, they will have a hard time overcoming it. Every circumstance is unique IMO.
ETA: And a lot of times people love to sit on their ivory tower and speak of what someone should do, all while never realizing some people don't have as much reason to live or care about the future. Some don't have a single person that is concerned about their well-being.. I'm greatful for my supporting cast in life because there's a shite ton of people that don't have what I do, or anyone for that matter.
This post was edited on 8/14/15 at 7:18 pm
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:16 pm to BluegrassBelle
I'm not a bleeding heart by any means, but any addiction medicine specialist will tell you that the genetic heritage aspect of addiction is extremely powerful. Not saying there is no choice, but the amount that genetics play is quite powerful.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:19 pm to TbirdSpur2010
quote:
I'll be honest: I honestly don't know.
This is probably about right, if not a mixture but I will say this:
I know for a fact my mother is an alcoholic (she's been sober for a while now), and since I've heard that alcoholism is hereditary, I have never touched alcohol.
If you know you might be susceptible or know that some things are addictive, it's probably smart to stay away from them completely.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:20 pm to AUbagman
quote:
. If someone has never been taught discipline, they will have a hard time overcoming it.
Even someone who was taught discipline can have an extremely hard time.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:22 pm to BluegrassBelle
I don't think its a choice to become an addict, but it is a choice whether to remain one or not.
And even then once the decision to quit is made there are inherent road blocks that the brain has built in to keep one addicted.
And even then once the decision to quit is made there are inherent road blocks that the brain has built in to keep one addicted.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:25 pm to StrawsDrawnAtRandom
Agreed, but I think the main reason some are more susceptible to addiction is their initial impulsivity. It's all downhill from there. I've come to realize - with me anyway - that my impulsive nature comes from boredom or anxiety. That's how I've realized my triggers for tobacco and alcohol. I'll go exercise now when I get those feelings opposed to reaching for a substance. Several of my family members have died due to addiction, and I realize the reality is I'm easily swayed to distractions, so I have to be very proactive in my daily routine.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:28 pm to Agforlife
I never stated they wouldn't. Addiction is a two part situation IMO. Someone that has experience with self-discipline will have a much easier time though.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:28 pm to AUbagman
quote:
Agreed, but I think the main reason some are more susceptible to addiction is their initial impulsivity. It's all downhill from there. I've come to realize - with me anyway - that my impulsive nature comes from boredom or anxiety. That's how I've realized my triggers for tobacco and alcohol. I'll go exercise now when I get those feelings opposed to reaching for a substance. Several of my family members have died due to addiction, and I realize the reality is I'm easily swayed to distractions, so I have to be very proactive in my daily routine.
Exactly. I had all of the opiates a while ago (various reasons within a short period of time), but I also knew that they were extremely addictive. I took them to sleep, but a lot of them that I didn't need I just destroyed.
If you know the substances are dangerous, addictive or can threaten your health -- don't take a chance with 'em. There are so many things to do.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 7:50 pm to BluegrassBelle
It's a choice.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 8:06 pm to BluegrassBelle
Dependence always has an element of choice. And it is never strictly a choice.
And addiction is just dependence that takes over (to some degree) a person's life.
And addiction is just dependence that takes over (to some degree) a person's life.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 8:09 pm to BluegrassBelle
A physical addiction is not a choice. Detox will fix a physical addiction. As for the mental part well you have to live it to understand it and there are not enough words in the world for me to be able to have you understand it.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 8:37 pm to BluegrassBelle
I have a lot of compassion for addiction and addicts, but ultimately, if it is the result of free will, even at the beginning, then yes, it is a choice.
All choices involve risk.
All choices involve risk.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 8:47 pm to Agforlife
quote:
As for the mental part well you have to live it to understand it and there are not enough words in the world for me to be able to have you understand it.
Someone that's never been addicted wouldn't understand the mental anguish and pain when you can't find a way to use. I fought with an addiction to pain pills for years and even though I've been sober for years now, I'll always have that craving in the back of my mind.
Posted on 8/14/15 at 8:57 pm to BluegrassBelle
I think it can be both. It also depends on the circumstances/situation.
I had a cousin that was bad on pain pills. By the time he was 11, he had numerous heart surgeries. He was addicted to pain pills heavily during his teenage years.
I had a cousin that was bad on pain pills. By the time he was 11, he had numerous heart surgeries. He was addicted to pain pills heavily during his teenage years.
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