There are many beliefs and stereotypes about addiction issues in the public mind. It's particularly interesting that these often completely contradict each other: some say addiction is a result of personal weakness, while others view it as a disease stemming from biochemical reactions independent of personality. But what does psychology have to say about this? In the following, we will discuss the relationship between personality development and addictions.
Our personality plays a decisive role in how we relate to the world, and how we handle life’s challenges and difficulties. Since this is individual and different for everyone, the same problem can trigger a completely different reaction in two different people. For example, during a depressive period, some people seek the company of family and friends, while others prefer to isolate themselves and hide from the world. In psychology, these different responses are called coping strategies, which are part of our personality, because as we grow, we all develop an individual toolbox for solving our problems.
However, life may sometimes place us in a situation that we do not have enough, or the right, psychological tools to overcome. Following the previous example, if we do not have a coping strategy that could pull us out of a depressive period, the problem remains and gets worse over time. In such situations alcohol and drug use, as well as different addictive behaviors, can offer a temporary way out, since they seem to ease the suffering and bring relief. In practice, they become the person’s coping strategy in that life situation, which they otherwise were not able to handle.
The challenges of life and the mental difficulties have an important function: they create opportunities for growth through the continued expansion and sharpening of our personality and coping strategies. The depressive period mentioned above - although hard and full of suffering - also carries this potential. As soon as the person realizes that their existing toolbox is not enough to overcome depression, they can consciously work on developing new strategies. Since addiction would only hide the lack of more suitable coping strategies, it would not provide a real, long-term solution, and would also deprive the person of this psychological development process.
Summing up the above, difficulties coping with certain life situations can serve as a signal that our personality and coping strategies need development. If we do not manage to recognize this, or we shut ourselves off from the chance to grow, we may become more vulnerable to addiction problems. To avoid this, it may be worth seeing being stuck as a development opportunity, and actively strengthen our personality - individually, with support from family and friends, or even through psychological counseling. In this way, we can recover from an already developed addiction even stronger than when we fell into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are coping strategies?
These are the mental methods and tools you use to handle everyday stress and bigger life challenges.
Why do I find it harder to deal with problems than others?
Since every personality is unique, you may still be missing that specific mental "toolbox" needed to solve a given situation.
Can addiction be a sign of poor coping?
Yes, alcohol or other substitute activities often only hide the real problem, because they only temporarily ease your inner tension.
How does a psychologist help in building new strategies?
The specialist helps you recognize the patterns that no longer work, and supports you in giving new, constructive responses to the challenges you face.
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