Addiction By Definition

ringo writes:So the distinction is between addiction and need. An addiction is a counterfeit "need".

Phat in 2014 writes: I need your prayers and advice. On my end of the deal, I will try and do my best. This is officially day 4 of sobriety

ringo writes:Everything we do in one area deprives another area.

2014 Phat writes:IF I can get this addiction cured, all of my other minor addictions of any severity or consequence will also get resolved.

Ringo writes:Really? Or is your behaviour just as likely to be channeled in another direction?

2014 Phat writes:Lets do some research on this one. Assuming EvC (and us) are still here in six months, let me get back to you on this one.

Cat Sci in 2015 writes:I'm glad you found something better. How's it coming along?

Phat, 2014 writes:IF I can get this addiction cured, all of my other minor addictions of any severity or consequence will also get resolved.

Ringo writes:...Really? Or is your behaviour just as likely to be channelled in another direction?

ringo writes:Q: Do you suffer from addiction?
A: No. I enjoy it.

Im starting to feel some deep emotions that I cant quite manage...such as fear of being alone, fear of loss (of sanity, perhaps?)

this is where group therapy helps, by seeing and helping others in similar circumstances so you are not alone and not losing touch.

Phat writes:Im not fully in touch with those feelings yet.

Phat writes:Im not fully in touch with those feelings yet.

ringo writes:Who is? Of course we all make decisions based on a combination of logic and feelings, so being "in touch with your feelings" isn't an end in itself.

Anxiety
According to authors Sadock, Sadock, and Ruiz (2015), anxiety is a diffuse, unpleasant, vague sense of apprehension It is often a response to an imprecise or unknown threat. For example, imagine you’re walking down a dark street. You may feel a little uneasy and perhaps you have a few butterflies in your stomach. These sensations are caused by anxiety that is related to the possibility that a stranger may jump out from behind a bush, or approach you in some other way, and harm you.This anxiety is not the result of a known or specific threat. Rather it comes from your mind’s vision of the possible dangers that may result in the situation.Anxiety is often accompanied by many uncomfortable somatic sensations. Some of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety include:headachesmuscle pain and tension
sleep disturbances
tightness felt throughout the body, especially in the head, neck, jaw and face
chest pain
ringing or pulsing in ears
excessive sweating
shaking and trembling
cold chills or hot flushes
accelerated heart rate
numbness or tingling
depersonalization and derealization
upset stomach or nausea
shortness of breath
feelng like you are going insane
dizziness or feeling faint
Fear
Fear is an emotional response to a known or definite threat. Using the scenario above, let’s say you’re walking down a dark street and someone points a gun at you and says, This is a stick up. This would likely elicit a response of fear. The danger is real, definite and immediate. There is a clear and present object of fear.Although the focus of the response is different (real vs. imagined danger), fear and anxiety are interrelated. When faced with fear, most people with experience the physical reactions that are described under anxiety. Fear causes anxiety, and anxiety can cause fear.
But, the subtle distinctions between the two will give you a better understanding of your symptoms and may be important for treatment strategies.

Phat writes:Day 86 as I type this.

I am involved in group therapy as well as working with a licensed addictions counselor.

Anxiety is harder to face since it cannot be defined.

Phat writes:Being in touch with your feelings allows you to face fear, for example. Anxiety is harder to face since it cannot be defined.