The Addiction Cycle

Addiction is an abnormal dependancy on something phycical or psychological. To go without often creates cravings, intense desires or even the shakes in extreme situations. Addiction is a driving force stronger than the gails of a hurricane. The thing that makes it worse is not so much the intensity but the continual barrage of thoughts, feelings and urges that bash at the door every day.

A person can be addicted to many things. Some of the more common addictions are: Drugs, Alcahol, Gambling, Sex, Sugar and Chocolate. When trying to beat an addiction the cycle is always the same. The diagram below best outlines the addiction cycle.

The Addiction Cycle

Explainations

• Addictive Activity: Relaspe and Acting out occurs. A release from the pent up emotions, urges and energy. Usually seen as the only way to escape from the pain the addiction causes. An intense emotional release once it has occured.
• Disatisfaction: Emotions of failure, depression set in. The addicted person wonders if they will ever be able to win over the addiction.
• Moral Resolve: A commitment to self to never relapse into the addiction again. The resolve is strongest ever, and it drives the addicted person forward with new energy.
• Pain Returns: The struggle comes back. Every day is a mission, urges start to overpower practical thoughts. Normal life is inturupted with thoughts and feelings about the addiction
• Demand for Release: The pressure intensifies. The person addicted feels that there is no hope, release seems the only option to gain control of life again.