Re:addictions and self-control

One possibility is that substance abuse, binge eating, compulsive gambling, and similar problems all involve the individual using a pleasurable activity to avoid negative affect (usually sadness, lonliness, or anger). Even if the individual recognizes the disadvantages of continuing with their substance abuse, binge eating, or gambling, they cannot refrain from these behaviors without having to face strong emotions which they have been avoiding.

This view makes it sound as though it would be useful for therapists to help individuals with these problems to recognize the emotions which they are avoiding and either choose to tolerate those emotions rather than avoiding them or to find more adaptive ways of handling those emotions.

Obviously, there is much more to these disorders than just avoidance of affect, but it may beone of the things they have in common.

Replies:

Re:addictions and self-control, by Linda Nauth, 07/19/02 Re:addictions and self-control, by Jim Pretzer, 07/22/02

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