Addictive personality vs. Genetics, nature vs nurture. In this two part series we will look at the evidence on both sides of the equation. This is part 1 on the addictive personality.
Representing the addictive personality side will be Bryce Nelson of the N.Y.Times and his article The Addictive Personality: Common Traits Are Found. This is based largely on the work of Alan R. Lang, a psychology professor at Florida State University.
In the other corner, we have Bill Moyers and Dr Steven Hyman, M.D.,on the brain and its role in addiction. Hyman directed the National Institute of Mental Health.
Lets get ready to rumble.
Alan R. Lang, a psychology professor at Florida State University has published a new study prepared for the National Academy of Sciences concludes that there is no single set of psychological characteristics that embrace all addictions. But the study does see common elements from addiction to addiction.
The report finds that there are several ‘’significant personality factors” that can contribute to addiction:
1. Impulsive behavior, difficulty in delaying gratification, an antisocial personality and a disposition toward sensation seeking.
2.A high value on nonconformity combined with a weak commitment to the goals for achievement valued by the society.
3.A sense of social alienation and a general tolerance for deviance.
4. A sense of heightened stress. This may help explain why adolescence and other stressful transition periods are often associated with the most severe drug and alcohol problems.
The author of the study, Alan R. Lang, a psychology professor at Florida State University, “believes that the insights provided by this kind of research could lead to much more effective preventive programs than those available today, to be used ”before problems reach the critical stage.” Supplementing the personality factors listed in the academy’s report, other behavioral scientists who have studied addicts point to additional often-found features of personality or background – a lack of self-esteem, marked depression or anxiety, physical or sexual abuse in childhood, and sharply conflicting parental expectations.
The N.Y Time article continues With an approach taken by Lawrence J. Hatterer, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the Cornell University Medical College who wrote in his book, ”The Pleasure Addicts” “(Barnes) that ”Addictive behavior has invaded every aspect of American life today. We all feel the cloud of concern about becoming addictive – preoccupation with weight, smoking, drinking too much, or being caught in an excess of spending, acquiring, gambling, sex or work.”Among other activities which, done in excess, have been characterized as addictive behavior are caffeine consumption, eating of chocolates or other sugar-laden foods, television watching, playing video games and even running.”
“But not all addictions are equally harmful and not all behavior that could lead to addiction necessarily does. Although Dr. Hatterer is among those who argue that addictions of all kinds are similar, he finds it useful to classify the abuse of alcohol, barbiturates and narcotics as ”hard addictions” because of the quickness with which such substances affect many aspects of behavior, and adversely influence many people around the abuser. Dr. Hatterer terms compulsive behavior such as excessive smoking, gambling, running, spending or work as ‘’soft addictions” because the consequences are not immediately felt by the abuser.”
None of these activities are considered to be addictions by Dr. Hatterer unless they involve excessive, repetitive use of pleasurable activities to cope with unmanageable internal conflict, pressure and stress. While such activity may begin pleasurably in a person’s life, the process in the addict involves increasing activity to achieve the same effect and eventually results in injury to the person’s health or to his work, family and social relationships. The addicted person typically denies that his activity is detrimentally affecting him. If the addict is forced to stop, he finds he suffers physical or psychological withdrawal pains, and often feels compelled to resume his excessive pattern. Compulsiveness Is a Key.”
Tomorrow we continue with Part 2, addiction as a brain disease.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
hi Bill,
Though I’m sure you’ll hit on this tomorrow, many, if not all, of the personality characteristics you cite from Dr. Lang’s research are known to be, at least partially, genetically determined.
As I’ve usually found in my work, it’s rarely a single explanation, but rather a mix of several, that is usually the answer.
Great job covering this complex topic!
Hi Adi,
Folks reading this click on Adi’s name above to see a real nice blog. This issue is lot more complex than I usually write about…my dissertation days are over. I’m trying to do what I do best, take the complex, make it understandable and interesting.
Adi is absolutely right…this is a complex issue.
Bill
Addictions are heightened due to stress and depression. Depression causes you to devalue yourself emotionally based on whatever circumstances you’re facing. I don’t understand why but this encourages people to explore dark areas of their lives and become acquainted with them because they feel dark. It’s like a gravitational pull and before you know it you’re addicted to the wrong habits.