What Else Constitutes Addiction?

A number of other behaviors and kinds of substance use are commonly referred to as addictions. These include excessive time spent on computer games, the Internet, TV sports, and golf, compulsive shopping, and "workaholism." Some people believe that sugar and chocolate have specific addictive qualities and are the cause of compulsive overeating.

If we go back to the basic definition of addiction - that it involves loss of control over the use of a substance (or the practice of a behavior) and the inability to stop despite negative consequences - then we can consider at least some of these perhaps to have the characteristics of addiction.

Recent studies of compulsive computer users identify characteristics including preoccupation with use of the machine, restlessness when one is not using it, a continuation of use despite physical consequences such as carpal tunnel syndrome or eye strain, and neglect of job and family responsibilities.

Some of those studied had addiction to drugs and alcohol and were abstinent at the time when the computer use became a problem. Some computer use, such as chat room participation and Internet pornography, overlaps with sexual addiction. A number of users were preoccupied with computer games, which may have the same reinforcing qualities found in slot machines or video poker, although without the anticipation of monetary gain.

Compulsive shopping has also been characterized as an addiction since it involves financial consequences and loss of control. Compulsive shoppers are usually women, and some are also addicted to drugs and alcohol. They consciously use shopping as a mood-altering activity, believing that buying something will make them feel better and being disappointed when it doesn't work.

There is some overlap between compulsive shopping and eating disorders. From a dynamic standpoint, the aim of the behavior is similar - satisfaction of a vague emotional neediness. This is followed by the subconscious realization that purchasing items at a store is only a symbolic substitute and does not satisfy the emotional need. It is believed that, for those with eating disorders, this cycle represents an unconscious attempt to re-create the frustrating relationship with early caregivers.

Excessive shopping is sometimes seen during the manic or hypomanic phases of bipolar disorder. In this situation the behavior is a reflection of impaired judgment and grandiosity and is not the same as compulsive shopping. Kleptomania, or compulsive shoplifting, is classified as a disorder of impulse control. In a general sense it could be considered an addiction, but it's viewed by clinicians as a reflection of a deeper disturbance in personality functioning that goes beyond the dynamics of addiction.

Hoarding is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder that may involve excessive shopping. The term refers to a person's inability to throw away items of little value, which may include old newspapers and magazines, rubber bands, jars, junk mail, and worn-out clothing. Sometimes items of little apparent value are purchased in large quantities and saved, often in their original bags. People who have experienced poverty and deprivation often appear to be pathological hoarders, but the difference lies in the approach to cleaning up the mess that ensues. For those who suffer from pathological hoarding, throwing out or giving things away causes intense anxiety, whereas people from poor backgrounds are able to make rational decisions about what goes or stays.