Rise In Addictions

I just read an article in Newsweek magazine about the increasing number of sex addicts in the U.S. (and elsewhere in this inter connected world, I presume). It laid out causes, effects of the sexual addiction on lives, treatments for it, and said that there are almost 6 million sex addicts here, a big increase in the number over the past 25 years. It made me curious about the subject of overall addiction. I think the percentage of addicts now is much higher than in previous years, and it is because it is a whole lot easier to become an addict today.

Another two addictions that are epidemic today are the electronic addiction and drug addiction. Looking at those two as a paradigm of why so many are addicted today may explain the problem better. In both cases improved communications have made it easier to become addicted because access to the addiction has increased. In the case of the electronic device addiction, there are so many electronic devices that seduce users with promises of innovations, that one can become consumed by electronics. If you doubt it, just observe cell phone users anywhere, any place, any time. They are both excessive and abusive in use and oblivious to anyone around them while using their phones. They also show the classic addictive property.... denial of their addiction.

Drug addiction (Unlike drugs in general, I don't think any more people are addicted to alcohol than previously, because alcohol availability and type remains constant. There is nothing "new" to stimulate more addiction) also is enhanced and encouraged by the wide variety of new drugs, the lower costs and the fact that society is more understanding (In some situations it almost expects it!) of people who are addicted to drugs. The wide availability of legal prescription drugs that physicians have been shamelessly guilty of handing to their patients is yet another reason for more drug addiction. There is now a blur between legal and illegal drug usage, and that cause more people to abuse drugs.

Of course there are many other categories in the rise in addictive behavior. Humans today have more affluence, more time to be addicted and more invisibility when practicing their addictions. Society seems more understanding as more and more of its members practice their own big or small addictions. As our values shift to one of more acceptance of the addict, I think we will see an even greater growth in addictive behavior. I can think of quite a few people I know who are addicted to something, and whose addiction is impairing their ability to function to their maximum. Twenty five years ago I did not have that kind of anecdotal evidence of addiction. I wonder if you feel the same or disagree with me about this issue.