Is There Such Thing As An Addictive Personality?

[nailit]

?

[Psybbo]

I think so, nailit and I believe I have it!

[Mamyalynne]

I think so too, and me too in some things.

[Svejk]

ditto^

[cupid04]

yep

[dunnitall]

Yep....without a doubt, why do you ask?

[Hopkirk]

I suspect it is more a lack of willpower.

[askyourgran]

I think there is nailit, I became addicted to cigarettes and found it extremely hard to give up, and I find it's quite easy to fall into something - gambling is something where I am aware I could spend money on so I avoid situations where I could fall into the trap.

[Tilly2]

I'm addicted to AB. Can I get help?

[askyourgran]

Be Stern with yourself Tilly, turn on time and turn off time and stick to it. Can't say I follow that advice myself but it could work.

[Bathsheba]

nailit.....scroll down to Related Questions.......;)

x

[maggiebee]

I believe there is such a thing. I was addicted to cigarettes for 40 years before I gave up, not without a struggle I can tell you.

[nailit]

Why do some people seemingly get addicted to substances (or activities) while others dont?
Have heard it said that addiction doesn't actually exist, its all down to choices. I know someone who runs every morning (rain, snow or sun) and he's seen as dedicated. Someone who drinks morning, noon and night is seen as an alcohol addict.
For most of my life Ive fought against 'compulsions'...to drink, smoke, overeat, use porn, sex, sugar, ocd, etc. Have been clean of each of them for moments in time but always end up returning. Am a tad bit drunk now and its getting me down that I keep returning to something that I loathe. My probation officer has hammered it into my head over the last year about CHOICES, and I understand that but it doesnt change my URGES, to overeat, smoke or drink to much. Just glad I dont take drugs, although I did in prison as a result of been deprived of other substances.

[woofgang]

The research seems to say yes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addictive_personality

[nailit]

So many answers while I was typing this, thanks.

[pastafreak]

@ hopkirk...not so. There are many factors...environmental,personality...and biological. From wiki...

Biological factors
The Minnesota Twin Family Study showed high rates of heritability both of developing the same addiction, such as alcoholism (around 50-70%), or different addictions.[5] For example, if one twin is addicted to cocaine, the other twin has an increased likelihood of being addicted to an opiate.[6]

Neurotransmitters are another factor thought to contribute to addictive personalities. Abnormalities in dopamine levels can lead individuals to partake in activities that give them a dopamine “high,” which then becomes addicting.[5] More research is still needed to see the potential roles of other neurotransmitters.

Sensation seeking has been studied as having a strong relationship with addictive personalities.[7] This sensation seeking trait may be a result an overactive “approach” system, and those individuals thus seek out external stimuli to compensate for a decreased level of internal arousal. Those who are high in sensation seeking, who have an active behavioral approach system, are more likely to develop addictions.[7][8][9]

[pastafreak]

Snap! woof...!

[dunnitall]

I a sure it's a personality trait, not so much choices....I feel sure there are those who just cannot help getting addicted to whatever, be it gambling, alcohol or anything that they 'need' in their lives. I don't know the answer except that it must be hell for those going through and even,ore so whenpeopledont understand them.

[woofgang]

also
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question1108216.html

[nailit]

Ive just had the equivalent of 9 pints of lager (18 units). NOT saying this to brag, precisely the opposite. I'm deeply worried about my drinking. I feel completly sober. Well almost. I am aware of my spelling and aware of my presence on AB for instance. Im aware that im not competent to drive for instance but my URGE to carry on drinking is out of control. As is my urge (instinct?) to smoke, overeat etc.
I actually hate been me.

[starone]

definitely, for instance I am addicted to Ab.