I was once told that the difference between a behavior being an addiction or the same behavior not being an addiction is that the non-addicted do the thing for some positive physical or psychological effect. The addicted do the thing in order to avoid a negative physical or psychological effect.
In this view, for example, people start using an addictive drug because it makes them feel good, but once addicted they use the drug in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Going to rehab means to stop using, which brings withdrawal. I think this view explains why some addicted would only do it when they'll incur an even greater negative effect than withdrawal.
> I was once told that the difference between a behavior being an addiction or the same behavior not being an addiction is that the non-addicted do the thing for some positive physical or psychological effect. The addicted do the thing in order to avoid a negative physical or psychological effect.
In this view, for example, people start using an addictive drug because it makes them feel good, but once addicted they use the drug in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Going to rehab means to stop using, which brings withdrawal. I think this view explains why some addicted would only do it when they'll incur an even greater negative effect than withdrawal.