- The brain: our accomplice and not so silent enemy
- What do we do then? Let's change the approach: from fighting to prevention
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Hello, dear reader! Have you ever heard the word "addiction" and felt like it's the villain in a horror movie?
Don't be scared! Today we are going to navigate through this topic with a smile on our face and, who knows, maybe even with a joke or two in our pocket
First, let's demystify something essential, addiction is not that dark and fearsome figure that only hides in alleys under the influence of some illegal substance, nor is it a matter of lack of willpower. It is a real disease and it is much more common than we think.
A disease you ask? Yes, indeed. It's not a flu that goes away in three days, but it is something that has a comprehensive impact on a person's life
Are they always drugs? Not at all!
When we think of addictions, our brain quickly jumps to illegal substances. However, surprise! Not everything revolves around drugs. Our modern society offers an endless catalog of things we can become addicted to without even realizing it
Does the term "shopping addiction" sound familiar to you? What about gambling addiction?
Yes, that uncontrollable need to play and bet. Or, how about sex addiction? And let's not forget about tech addiction, you surely know it when you can't stop checking your phone every five minutes
The brain: our accomplice and not so silent enemy
Here is some fun science. Our brain has a "reward circuit" Doesn't that sound like a brain amusement park?
Well, it's something like that. This circuit is activated every time we do something that brings us pleasure, but the problem is that sometimes this amusement park becomes addictive and seeks more and more tickets for the games
Why do we become addicted?
Addiction is a complex construction that combines organic, genetic, psychological, and social elements. Imagine a complicated recipe where you need a pinch of genetics, a bit of personal history, and a giant spoonful of social influences. Voila! You have an addiction
The roots of this disease may be in the context in which we live. Today's society bombards us with the need for immediate satisfaction. Want a practical example? Open Netflix and have a thousand series to watch instantly.
Our life is designed so that we cannot wait and always want more. It's like having a candy machine that never stops giving out candies
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What do we do then? Let's change the approach: from fighting to prevention
The idea of fighting against drugs and addictions as a great external enemy has changed. It's like trying to defeat an invisible monster, we have tried and failed many times. So now it's better to change the focus to prevention.
Instead of pulling out swords and shields against addictions, we attack the root: education, awareness, and policies that address the problem from its core. Sounds logical, right?
Dear reader, now that you know a little more about addiction, I ask you: What do you think you could do to prevent or support someone with an addiction? Take a minute and think...
The answer can be as simple as listening, being empathetic, or seeking appropriate information to help that person. Remember that understanding is the first step to transformation
So there you have it, the next time you hear the word "addiction" don't run, don't shout, and definitely don't cover your ears, laugh, learn, understand, and above all, remember that it is not a battle alone but a journey we can share walking together towards a better future.
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