What may seem like a harmless pastime has proven to be psychologically destructive to a whole generation of boys.
“Arousal addictions” are just as powerful as addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, food and heroin and they are getting in the way of school work, relationships and ambitions.
The consequences could be dramatic: The excessive use of video games and online porn in pursuit of the next thing is creating a generation of risk-averse guys who are unable (and unwilling) to navigate the complexities and risks inherent to real-life relationships, school and employment.
Boys seem to be particularly susceptible and are falling behind in school, college admissions, graduations and in the job market.
Although millions of people are treated successfully with prescription medication there are those whom are unable to follow doctor’s orders to safely treat their illnesses.
As much attention as we pay to illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin, the truth is prescription medications kill more people in this country than those illicit drugs combined. Perhaps it is a perception issue: “It came from a pharmacy, therefore, it must be safe.”
The new study shows it’s possible to identify people who have inherited a susceptibility to addiction. Further research will help researchers figure out how to help those who are susceptible and strengthen their self-control.
“We know that in people who are addicted to drugs like cocaine, that self-control is completely impaired,” she says. “These people use drugs and lose control on how much they use. They put everything at risk, even their lives.”
Being predisposed does not mean you are destined to be addicted.
Exercising self control can be perfected with practice.
Addicts need to be aware of the triggers that draw them back into addiction and stay away.
Aside from any physical challenges, overcoming addiction is hard work mentally and emotionally. And if you let down your guard, warns interventionist and “How to Help the One You Love” author Brad Lamm, it can come back with a vengeance — as bad, if not worse, than before. That’s why specialists say it is so imperative that an addict know what places, situations, smells are more likely to set him or her back. They generally recommend that those who have been hooked before — on whatever substance — avoid situations like a raging party or raucous club scene, as well as that they take pains to limit their exposure to prescription drugs or alcohol.
As hard as it is to believe the addiction to nicotine is stronger than than the will to live.
Some people just give up and some are fatalistic but the urge to smoke is overwhelming.
Researchers looked at 2,456 lung cancer patients and 3,063 colorectal patients and discovered that at time of diagnosis, 38 percent of the lung cancer patients and 15 percent of the colorectal patients were smokers.
Lung cancer patient Toni Manes continued to smoke after her diagnosis. Five months later, despite a cancer diagnosis, 14 percent of the lung cancer patients were still lighting up (ditto for 9 percent of the colorectal patients).
Be careful before taking out huge loans to get a degree from a for-profit college. Make sure you're not getting suckered into for-profit college scams that leave you with no job and huge debt.
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