August 16, 2021
By Hafsatu z Bangura
Over the years our ideologies and feelings have evolved gradually as we transition into a new age, we adapt quickly to things and adjust to things that weren’t a part of our schedules, but we fall deep into these things with advancements new developments that has now become so addictive to our everyday lifestyle, schedules and way of living.
For example during the olden days we were into (barter system) that is we exchange goods for goods i.e. a farmer would exchange fish to a person/trader who sells fish in exchange for a rice or for some seedlings whilst a fish trader would exchange with a farmer for the fish thus hereby rendering the existence of barter system. As in any societal developments, people begin to discover ideas and implement them and to further make inventions and been seen as God in some of these fields which I will be deliberating on.
Adverse changes and effects has from generations to generation changed the narratives, along with this came new inventions and discoveries.
ADDICTION- is a bio-psychosocial disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
When most people hear the word addiction, they think of dependence on substance, such as drugs or alcohol. But alcohol uppers, downers, and other commonly abused substances aren’t the only things people abuse. In fact, just substitute the word “behavior” for “substance”, and you open up the definition of addiction to all kinds of dependencies, some of which may surprise you, whether it’s the sex, the internet, power, alcohol, technology or bungee jumping, the desire to experience a “high” becomes so strong that the so- called addicts loses control and seeks the exciting activity.
SEX ADDICTION- in modern society, new Media and the internet has developed an increase in sex addiction. Just like the abuse of other substances or practices, sex addicts use it to escape from reality, relieve anxiety or to fulfill compulsion’s, it is estimated that 8%of men and 3% of women are affected by sex or relationship addiction. For many sex becomes a compulsive behavior rather than an expression of love. It can be connected to low self-esteem and addicts develop unhealthy dependencies on hollow sexual encounters such as one night stands or a related practice such as pornography.
DRUG ABUSE- illegal drugs such as oxycontin, cocaine, tramadol, heroin, methamphetamines, are a harmful drug that causes damage to our immune systems.
The problem is that doctors prescribe drugs the appropriate drugs in good faith but there’s not enough education or support for those who need to stop or when they should stop. In addition, some prescription drugs are highly addictive and it has created an opioid drug abuse epidemic. Younger people steal, buy and experiment with drugs they can find at home.
In the case of the whole pampers issue that some youths experimented, I will say such drugs are easily accessible and sometimes bought on the black market, which is unregulated, unethical, and highly dangerous.
THE INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY- a recent phenomenon has developed called monophobia which means “no-mobile-phone-phobia” and describes the psychological attachment some people have to their modern devices. According to research internet addiction especially affects young people and symptoms include feelings of depression, anxiety when separated from their phones. It has also been shown that there is dopamine boosts from overusing certain social Media which contributes to the addiction explanation. Internet users are spending more time on their computers and phones and less time with family members and friends.
POWER– many of the world most powerful people fit this profile. A number of them were neglected or powerless when they were young. Their striving to dominate can be viewed as a way for them to ensure that they will never be in such a vulnerable situation again.
The pursuit of power may also have a neurochemical component. Having power over others has an intoxicating effect. It boosts over testosterone, which in turn increases the supply of dopamine (a feel good neurotransmitter) in the brains reward system. This dopamine rush explains the addictive quality of power and why it’s so hard to let it go. Eventually, people with too much power may even lose their sense of reality and their moral bearings. Before they know it, they live in an echo chamber, believing their own press and imaging that they are infallible.
Lord Acton’s statement, “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, may have more than a kernel of truth. No wonder that society’s demands for moral authority and character increase with the importance of the position. Possessing much power imposes great responsibility.
MONEY- Money is essential in life. You need it to stay afloat in life. However, is it possible for one to develop an unhealthy dependency on cash? Some money addiction habits are obvious to notice while most are not. It is easy to notice or spot some of these obvious manifestations, such as money gamblers who flash their designer clothes or new luxurious cars. However the challenge comes in noticing the hidden signs that even you could be having. Your mind is ever preoccupied with the idea of getting or obtaining money. Consequently, even your behavior revolves around acquiring money. Such acts may include gambling or buying lottery tickets with the hope of winning and also overworking.
People who are addicted to money require money to feel happy and satisfied, I mean we all do, don’t we? But the feeling is short lived and you end up brainstorming on other ways to make more money.
In conclusion to money, is an unhealthy dependence, some signs of money addictions are gambling, overspending and excessively saving. Power, alcohol, sex, technology and money are essentials tools of living, they make up everything useful to human living, however it is wise and advisable that we know how to manage or cope with these, I might be right or wrong but the unanswered question still stands “POWER, MONEY, SEX, ALCOHOL,DRUGS AND TECHNOLOGY” which of these is addictive?