A working definition for Addictions in Relationships
A dictionary says: al·co·hol·ic adj. Abbr. al., alc. 1. Related to or resulting from alcohol. 2. Containing or preserved in alcohol. 3. Suffering from alcoholism. --al·co·hol·ic n. A person who drinks alcoholic substances habitually and to excess or who suffers from alcoholism.
al·co·hol·ism n. 1. The compulsive consumption of and psychophysiological dependence on alcoholic beverages. 2. A chronic, progressive pathological condition, mainly affecting the nervous and digestive systems, caused by the excessive and habitual consumption of alcohol. 3. Temporary mental disturbance and muscular incoordination caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.
ad·dict tr.v. ad·dict·ed, ad·dict·ing, ad·dicts. 1. To devote or give (oneself) habitually or compulsively. 2. To cause to become compulsively and physiologically dependent on a habit-forming substance. --ad·dict n. 1. One who is addicted, as to narcotics. 2. A devoted believer or follower. --ad·dic"tive adj.
When someone simply chooses an addictive habit over a healthy constructive relationship - he or she may be called an alcoholic or described as having an addictive personality. Addictions are not just about alcohol or drugs. Today additions are also about pornography, excessive work, excessive spending, gambling, and the list could go on. Are you addicted to something that has placed a barrier between you and someone else? What are you going to do about the addiction?
