New Shows Challenge the Definition of Addiction

A new TLC show may be stretching the definition of “addiction.” The program My Strange Addiction profiles individuals who can’t stop from compulsively performing a range of behaviors that span from the regular to the disturbing. One man continually eats broken glass while a woman obsessively cleans, exposing herself and her children to strong chemical fumes around the clock. Another woman puts her life in danger by sleeping with her running blow dryer.

One question a show like this raises is are these issues true addictions? While they’re definitely problems that affect the individual’s life in a negative way and impact those around them, do they meet the criteria for addiction?

Addiction Defined

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), the current official text on which diagnoses are based, use seven criteria for determining substance dependence. To be diagnosed, the person would have to have at least three of the criteria within the same year.

The seven criteria for substance dependence are:

·      Tolerance, marked by a need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance

·      Withdrawal, manifested by either withdrawal syndrome for the substance or the substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

·      The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended

·      There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use

·      A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance

·      Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use

·      The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance

The individuals appearing on My Strange Addiction may not fit the clinical definition of an addict, but their disorders are real and do require professional help for mental health disorders that underlie these dangerous behaviors. Also, with this kind of behavior, substances such as drugs or alcohol can easily be exchanged for other behaviors, so it’s important to monitor the problem closely.

Addiction Help

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction or co-occurring disorder, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.