The 3 C's of Addiction

For many years, experts believed that addiction stemmed only from using powerful drugs or alcohol, however now it is recognised that excessive behaviours such as gambling, shopping, and sex also can lead to addiction. The hallmarks of these common problems are:

The 3 C’s:

1. craving for the object of addiction, which can be mild to intense
2. loss of control over the use of the object of addiction
3. continued engagement with the object of addiction despite adverse consequences

Several scientific advances have shaped our understanding of addiction. For example, new brain imaging technologies have revealed that our brains respond similarly to different pleasurable experiences, whether derived from drugs or behaviors. Genetic research has uncovered that some people are predisposed to addiction, but not to a specific type of addiction.

If you think you might have an addiction, seek help to get it under control. Don't let it control you. You deserve to lead an abundant and fun life and if your addiction is preventing you from this then take control.