I think we all go through this..."am I really addicted? Nah, it's just a nisayon, I can beat this, no problem, I just need to try harder..."
(Cut scene to a few months later) I can do this, i really can, just need to try harder...I'm not addicted, though, I can stop anytime I want!
Seriously, though...whether it's a technical addiction? It's always hard to say, but let's take a look at a few of the criteria used to define addiction in the DSM-IV (used to diagnose psychological disorders). Well, actually, they don't use the term addiction - they use the terms "abuse" and "dependence." Now, we might not match all the criteria, or not perfectly, but when you start seeing some similarities, it should be enough to make us stop and think. Keep in mind, that these criteria are talking about physical substances, but i think that parallels can be drawn.
Here are the criteria for substance abuse - any ONE of these is enough to qualify:
1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (such
as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences,
suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (such as driving an automobile or
operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (such as arrests for substance related disorderly conduct)
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or
exacerbated by the effects of the substance (for example, arguments with spouse about consequences of
intoxication and physical fights).
I think we can all relate to #4, for sure. 1 & 3 on a smaller level, perhaps, as well. So substance abuse certainly applies to us, it would seem.
Now take a look at the criteria for substance dependence. One needs 3 or more of these to qualify for a full-fledged dependence diagnosis:
1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect
or
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
or
(b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover
from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem
that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use
despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer
was made worse by alcohol consumption).
I think that most of can at least relate soewhat to #4,5, and 6, right?