Why Do Humans

[nailit]

as a species, seem to have so many addiction issues?
Why do we smoke, take various drugs, drink, watch tv or even clean (ocd) to excess? Why do people get addicted to natural functions like sex or eating to excess? Why do people get addicted to gambling when most of us can enjoy the occasional flutter or go on the lotto without it ruining our lives.
Why are Humans prone to addiction?

A bit philosophical for chatterbank on a Saturday night I know, BUT, I'm feeling a bit philosophical.... (and wondering how I can free myself from my own addictions)
I thank you.

[tamborine]

Coz we are easily influenced by surroundings & contacts. We want to fit in with like minded folk.

[nailit]

//Coz we are easily influenced// and
//We want to fit in with like minded folk.//

Doubt it Tambo, Ive known lots of drug addicts and have neither been influenced by or wanted to fit in with them.

[nailit]

Also, none of my family smoke and none of my friends drink (I do both)

[kylesmum]

Evening nailit :)

I have no addictions at all, I have crutches which I occasionally lean on but I can only surmise it must be genetic .In saying that neither of my parents nor siblings have any addictions so that kinda leaves my previous statement open to debate.

Is it learned ? Is it in the genes?

I'm intrigued. Did I just get lucky ? :/ I shall follow this with interest.

[kylesmum]

I'm at odds with myself there....none of my family have addictions but I do sometimes veer off, as a coping mechanism, where they don't. That's where I felt I was at odds with my statement.

I'm still thinking genetic which manifests itself in a situation which gives you a buzz.

[kvalidir]

I don't think it's genetic, I think if anything it's trauma induced. If it was genetic chances are either I or one of my siblings would be an alcoholic drug addict since my father previously was, and none of us are. I think it might be learned behaviour or brought on by an inability to cope with something awful.

[Prudie]

I'm sure some of it must be linked to the amount of leisure time we have and the general pressures of modern life. In the past, even back to the middle ages and before, humans daily purpose was to work enough to provide food and warmth and procreate. that was about it day after day, death came much much earlier. people didn't have time to sit and worry, maybe we're not designed to sit around idle. - plus of course a lot of these substances hadn't been discovered.

[nailit]

Kylesmum,
//I have no addictions at all, I have crutches which I occasionally lean on//
Better to walk with a crutch than to not walk at all. ( M. Scott Peck, I think, could be wrong)

[nailit]

//In the past, even back to the middle ages and before, humans daily purpose was to work enough to provide food and warmth and procreate. that was about it day after day, death came much much earlier.//
Not much has changed under this governement then?

[237SJ]

I remember reading an article which was written by George Best`s liver consultant and he said that a lot of addictions are the consequence of a form of personality disorder. He reckoned that as many as 10% of the population suffered from this condition whereby they feel that there is "something missing" or a hole in the personality and they try to fill it with some sort of addiction. It might be drink, drugs, gambling, or some other obesssive activity. They feel fine when they have filled the hole but of course, when the effects of the drink, drugs etc have worn off the hole is still there and the whole cycle starts again.

[ummmm]

My dad was a gambling addict, so was his brother. I believe that they both have/had personality disorders. Both lovely people but both had issues with responsibility.

[kylesmum]

Ummm...do you think they had an inherent tendency or was it learned ?

[ummmm]

Inherent.

13 children and none of the others have/had addictions. My grandparents never gambled so they didn't have anyone to learn it off. My other uncles had bets. what nailit calls it 'flutters' but my dad and uncle lost everything. My uncle lost his business, his house....his family in the end. My dad would have lost the same except he didn't have it to lose.

Such a horrible addiction (like all addictions) On the back of that I've never bet on anything.

I very nearly had a bet once. A horse was running at good odds. Mr Moriarty was the horses name. I didn't bet, it won...

[ummmm]

Not placing that bet was probably a blessing in disguise. I've never felt that elation that you get when you win. That's what I thought they were addicted to.

[tamborine]

This website is an addiction. It can eat hours of precious time & money (online costs) that could be spent on your tangible life. Ask yourself how/why you have become a regular user?