Would you categorize Bulimia Nervosa with Heroin addiction? Why?!
Question: I have had an ongoing debate with a friend who believes that there is no difference between any type of addiction.what are your thoughts?
Answers:
I'm with Scorpio on this one. Addiction is defined as the compulsive need for and use of something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent upon a habit forming substance (such as the endorphins caused by throwing up, or the habit forming behavior of bingeing and the fear of gaining weight that leads to purging/laxatives/exercise in bulimia).
What matters most is whether or not the substance or behavior causes what we now know to be the essence of addiction: uncontrollable, compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences.
Addicts are trapped in their behaviors and cannot simply quit on their own. They have an illness that requires biomedical treatment. People often assume that because addiction begins with a voluntary behavior and is expressed in the form of excess behavior, an addict should just be able to quit by force of will alone. However, it is essential to understand when dealing with addicts that we are dealing with individuals whose brains have been altered by alcohol, drug or behavioral abuse. They need addiction treatment.
Today, scientists and physicians overwhelmingly agree that while use and even abuse of drugs such as alcohol and cocaine is a behavior over which the individual exerts control, addiction to these substances is something different. Scientists have begun to understand why addicted people may sacrifice everything that's important to them -- their jobs, their families, their homes -- in the quest for a fix.
Best,
`k.
Other Answers:
I happen to agree with your friend. I've had my share of both bulimia and other addictions, and I classify all of them as "coping mechanisms" and "distraction tools". The only obvious difference between Bulimia Nervosa and a Heroin addiction is the physical addiction related to Heroin. The psychological factors are the same, it's simply a way to cope.
Answers: