Expanding the Definition of Addiction: What Do You Consistently Bow Down To?

Understanding Addiction Beyond Alcohol and Substance Abuse

When we think of addiction, our minds often jump to alcohol or drug abuse. However, addiction is far more expansive and insidious. This video (click here to view) dramatizes this idea by showing how behaviors like online shopping and excessive phone usage can become addictions. I can attest to the latter. Not so long ago, my cellphone was a serious disruptive addiction that I have only recently been able to manage better. These behaviors create a dopamine high, much like substances do, and they can disrupt our lives just as significantly.

Functional Addicts in the Workplace

Many of us don suits and ties or uniforms for work, presenting a facade of normalcy while hiding our addictions. These can include anything from emotional eating, excessive TV watching, betting, gambling, and chasing chaos. We often judge those with substance abuse issues, but overlook or underestimate the impact of these other addictions. Yet, they too can disrupt work-life balance, damage relationships, and lead to deeper consequences.

Recognizing and Addressing Addiction

To truly address addiction, we must broaden our understanding and compassion. Here are the stages of addiction and denial:

1. Experimentation: Trying the substance or behavior.

2. Regular Use: Increased frequency of use.

3. Risky Use: Engaging despite negative consequences.

4. Dependence: Physical or psychological reliance.

5. Addiction: Loss of control over use.

Stages of denial include:

1. Denial of the Problem: Refusing to acknowledge the issue.

2. Minimization: Downplaying the severity.

3. Rationalization: Justifying the behavior.

4. Blame: Shifting responsibility to others.

Understanding these stages can help us introspect and identify where we and others might be, prompting fruitful conversations and proactive seeking of professional help from psychologists and psychiatrists.

Statistics and Consequences in Africa

In Africa, the prevalence of functional addiction in the workplace is alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders, including those related to addiction, are responsible for 10% of the total disease burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. Functional addiction can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained workplace relationships.

Call to Action

Let’s not judge or ignore these hidden addictions. Instead, let’s support each other in recognizing and overcoming them.

Do you have a hidden addiction that you’re aware of? Do you think a colleague of yours has an addiction that they’re unaware of? What are you going to do about either of these scenarios? Are you willing to initiate a conversation about mental health and addiction in your workplace? How can you support your team in addressing these challenges?

Check out the addiction and mental health resources here at Mwangaza wa Sunday and follow us on social media:

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We highly encourage you to make an appointment with a certified and licensed mental health practitioner and addiction recovery specialist, whether you feel you have a problem or not with either. Together, we can create a supportive community that fosters mental health and addiction recovery.