Is It Addiction or Just a Bad Habit?

Everyone has habits. Some are good, like exercising. Others, not so much, like biting your nails. But when does a habit become an addiction? Knowing the difference helps you understand when to get help.

What’s a Habit? What’s an Addiction?

A habit is a learned behavior that becomes automatic over time. It forms through repetition and is reinforced by cues and rewards. According to research in neuroscience, habits are linked to the basal ganglia, a part of the brain responsible for pattern recognition and automatic behaviors. Most habits develop without significant conscious effort and can be changed with enough awareness and practice. Examples of habits include brushing your teeth before bed, drinking coffee every morning, checking your phone when you wake up, or taking the same route to work. Some habits are beneficial, like exercising regularly or reading before sleep, while others, like nail-biting or procrastinating, may be less helpful.

An addiction, however, is a complex disorder that affects brain chemistry and behavior. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a "chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry." Unlike habits, addictions involve compulsive engagement with a substance or behavior despite negative consequences. The brain's dopamine system plays a major role in addiction, reinforcing the behavior and making it difficult to quit.

How to Tell the Difference

1. Control: A habit is voluntary and can be changed with effort. Addiction involves a loss of control, where the person continues the behavior even when they want to stop.

2. Dependence and Withdrawal: Addiction often leads to physical or psychological dependence. When an addicted person stops, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or even physical illness. Habits don’t cause withdrawal.

3. Impact on Life: A bad habit may be annoying but doesn’t disrupt daily life. Addiction, however, can interfere with relationships, work, health, and mental well-being.

4. Brain Changes: Research using brain imaging shows that addiction alters brain function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making) and the limbic system (responsible for emotions and reward processing). These changes make it harder to resist cravings and control impulses.

5. Tolerance and Escalation: In addiction, the person often needs more of the substance or behavior over time to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Habits don’t typically escalate in this way.

6. 
   

The Science Behind Addiction

Addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system. Normally, dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation—is released in response to rewarding activities like eating or socializing. However, addictive substances or behaviors cause a surge in dopamine far beyond natural levels. Over time, the brain adapts, reducing its natural dopamine production, making it harder for the person to feel pleasure from normal activities. This drives compulsive use as the individual seeks to regain that pleasurable feeling.

Behavioral addictions, such as gambling, compulsive eating, or excessive social media use, follow a similar pattern. Studies show that these behaviors activate the same neural pathways as drug addiction, reinforcing the compulsive cycle.

When to Get Help

• You try to stop but can’t.

• You need more of the substance or behavior to feel the same effect.

• You ignore responsibilities because of it.

• You experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

• You keep doing it, even when it causes serious problems in your life.

If this sounds familiar, seeking help is important. Addiction is not just a matter of willpower—it is a medical condition that requires treatment. Therapy, counseling, medication, and support groups can help people regain control and improve their quality of life.

At Evolution Counselling Services, we offer professional support for addiction and behavioral concerns. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.