Nursing

In the know: A look at addiction

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, June 23, 2008

A broad definition of addiction is that it is any activity, substance, object, or behavior that is the major focus of a person's life, excluding other activities, and causing harm to oneself or others. Addictions can be physical, such as an addiction to alcohol or nicotine. Addictions can also be psychological, such as an addiction to gambling, sex, work, running, or shopping.

There are many common characteristics among the various addictive behaviors:

  • Obsession: Constantly thinking of the object/activity/substance. With this comes a sense of loss or control over it. In addition, the person continues to engage in the activity in spite of causing harm.
  • Compulsion: Doing it over and over. The person also may feel a sense of withdrawal when stopping.

  • Denial: Denying the problem or the severity of the problem. Addicts give themselves good cover stories if they are found participating in the activity.

Source: Stressed Out About Difficult Patients, HCPro, Inc., 2007

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