Question:
Well, to keep this at an intellectual level, is there anyone out there
who is an expert (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) in this field
who could say whether there is a qualitative difference between
an addiction and a compulsive behavior? Is an addiction simply a
compulsive behavior that takes a lot more "re-learning" to get rid of,
or is it something fundamentally different?
It seems to me it is clear that there is a distinct biological (i.e.,
you are born with it) difference between some -- perhaps all --
alcoholics and all other people. I have heard, but not seen the
studies, that that may also be true for addictions to other kinds
of addictive substances. Is that true, or believed to be true, for
any other kinds of compulsive/addictive behaviors?
Answer:
Abnormal psych text says drug/alcohol addiction are
obsessive/compulsive behaviors. That doesn't mean that all addicts
are O/C, but that many O/C's become addicts.
O/C involves superstitious behaviors and beliefs. ingesting
substances crosses the line to chemical manipulation of the body, a
little more extreme than a compulsive thoought or action. The chemcals
can bring about organic changes in the body, meaning just "retraining"
may not work, or take years to heal.
