Diff/Simm P2

2. The second stage is the "Life Style Change" In this stage, they build their life around the
addiction. They are now out of control on a behavioral level. They need to have that drink, place
that bet, have the "viewing time", or be online. The person arranges their life around the
addiction. When they are not involved with the addictive behavior, they are constantly thinking
about it.

3. The third and final stage is "Life Breakdown". In this stage, nothing is working for the addict.
Nothing is ever their fault. Everything would be all right, according to them, if you just left them
alone. They become very moody and extremely hard to deal with about the issues in their life.

Anxiety & Depression

The feelings of anxiety and depression play a key negative role in addiction. When an individual
is anxious or depressed then they are at risk to engage in their addiction. Depression and anxiety
are extremely difficult for the addict to tolerate. These emotions feel "unbearable" and so the
addict turns to the bottle or pill or the computer monitor. Not engaging in the addiction will
trigger off intense feelings of anxiety. In addition, thoughts about being an addict will cause that
person to feel deeply depressed.

Go to next page

Home