Difference Between Habit And Addiction

1: what is the difference between habit and addiction?

The comparison between addiction and habit is an ongoing debate. According to my perspective, Habit is a behavior pattern created by continuous repetition of an act again and again to the point that our mind does it naturally. An addiction is an impulsive need of a specific thing, habit or a substance to the body, which when denied causes dreadful impacts. A habit can be controlled or altered, while addiction can’t be controlled and needs proficient support for modification.

Moreover, habits can be positive or negative, and normally don’t influence mental capacity or memory. Addictions are generally negative and can influence mental capacity, memory, and drive control.

2: Can habits be bad as well or only addictions are bad?

Though not as dangerous as addictions, habits can also be bad for us in many ways. Most habits when performed excessively can affect us negatively. For example bad habits like nailbiting, smoking, trying to achieve perfection in any task can have a negative impact on our life. Striving for perfection is a good thing but trying to do every basic task in life with this attitude can become very troublesome for us. Any habit that is damaging us emotionally, psychologically and physically is bad. One can say that obsessive negative habits later transform into addictions. Addictions are basically habits that are too hard for us to give up on. They will always have a negative effects on our mind and body.

3: How do we know if it is a habit or addiction?

Time span of doing  specific behavior and how it impacts our life, is an important thing to consider while differentiating between a habit and addiction.

While assessing whether your smoking or liquor use is a habit or an addiction, here are a few inquiries to pose to yourself. Is your conduct negatively affecting your life? Do you experience withdrawal impacts when stopping liquor use or smoking? Have you tried to hide your behavior? Have you attempted to lie about your excessive smoking and liquor use?

In the events that you answered yes to the majority of these inquiries, you can presumably have an addiction. Nonetheless, in the event that you feel that it’s simply a habit at this moment, it’s still critical to find support. A habit can rapidly transform into an addiction, particularly when you’re utilizing smoking and liquor to accomplish an ideal mental state. Waiting to hit rock bottom is myth. Dependence is most treatable when you get it at an early stage.

4: How are habits formed and what about addictions?

Every habit is formed with a three part psychological pattern called ‘habit loop’. First is the trigger(cue), second is the routine(behavior), and the third is the reward. For example stress could played as a cue that one responds to by nail biting or smoking which produces reduction in stress(reward),such rewards may be temporary.

All behavior are created in the same way.

4: We often see that some good habits also become a problem. Should people change it or live with them?

As the famous saying goes, “Excess of anything is Bad”. This can also apply to our good habits. Washing hands after using toilets or before and after eating meals is a good sanitary habit but if this habit starts taking up too much of our time than its not a good habit anymore. We might end up constantly being late for other tasks.   As long as its not negatively affecting our emotional, psychological and physical well-being, it’s a good habit but as soon as it starts to affect us negatively or we see ourself obsessing over a habit, it is time to address the problem.

6: What is the common age when we see the habit transforming into addictions?

Teen age is the most common age when habits start taking root. Whether positive or negative, these habits can transform into addictions if not monitored carefully. Most common example of transformation of habits into addictions is that of smoking which changes overtime into an addiction of drugs like marijuana or cocaine.

7: How do we get rid of habits and addiction?

Breaking bad habits or giving up on an addiction can’t happen overnight, it takes time and a constant struggle. People who relapse or only give up on their bad habits temporarily often start with unrealistic goals in their minds, e.g. A person who smokes a pack of cigarettes everyday, finally decides to quit smoking within a week. The next day, he doesn’t smoke a single cigarette the whole day. This way, he would barely be able to stay away from smoking for a few days before he goes back to his old habit. Why? Because his goal was too unrealistic. His body can’t adjust to an abrupt halt in smoking after being accustomed to it for years. In order to quit bad habits or get rid of an addiction, its important to set realistic goals, take smaller steps, remain consistent, praise your efforts with rewards, love yourself, and stay away from temptations. By following these steps one can achieve their desired goal.