Have you heard of the term “addictive personality” before? It refers to a set of personality traits that make a person more susceptible to becoming addicted to behaviors that they enjoy or find habitually comforting. People who have addictive personalities can end up being anywhere from drug addicts, alcoholics, and hoarders to workaholics, internet addiction, adrenaline addiction, and caffeine addicts.

“How do I know if I’m addicted to something?”

There are five traits to consider when you are thinking about whether or not you are addicted to a behavior (or a desired result/object). These five things are patterns, habits, compulsions, impulse control disorders, and physical addiction.

Let’s take a look at one of the most common addictions: caffeine. Are you a caffeine addict? Some people will scream “YES” from the rooftops (because this addiction is so common and mainstream).

Are you moody when you aren’t able to get a cup of coffee? Do you reach for a cup of coffee even though you know that you should be drinking water instead? Do you automatically suggest that you and a friend get a cup of coffee when going out? Do you feel a physical withdrawal when you don’t get a cup of coffee? Like headaches? (I say coffee, but I really mean any drink that has caffeine in it.)

“What determines what an addictive personality is?”

The Minnesota Twin Family Study (you can read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Twin_Family_Study) determined that addictive personalities are hereditary because separated twins ended up developing the same addictions (or similar addictions) despite different environments and physical distance.

There is also a level of sensation seeking that is in associated with addictive personalities. This is still being studied in labs but the relationship between the two (“sensation seeking” and “addictive personalities”) appears to be strong. People who seek sensations (like being high, alert, busy, or a sense of danger – in reference to adrenaline junkies and gambling addicts) are more likely to develop addictive personalities as they grow up.

These people also normally can’t handle the wait of delayed gratification. But can you change the things that make you have an addictive personality? If you are actively aware of these personality traits, will you be able to catch yourself when you are spiraling or when you are displaying or acting out one of these traits?

Just like alcoholics are able to hold back their desire for another drink and drug addicts can stop doing drugs when they are able to realize just what kind of effect it has on their lives and the lives around them, people can change for the better if they get help.

Image By: KPlanz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kplanz/6855919503/sizes/l/)

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