Addiction and Meaning

Abstract

Addictive processes emerge from hierarchies of interacting complex adaptive processes both internal and external to an individual. These processes include and emerge from cells and cell systems, and also from psychological phenomena, as well as from higher-level emergent processes operating at both the physical and social levels. From the beginning, the world outside the individual is dynamically involved in the development of his or her physical and psychological traits and dispositions. As we saw in Chapter 4, the influence of social conceptions on one’s experience of diverse aspects of life, such as family, property, work, discomfort, and gratification, are profound and have. significant impact on whether, how, and to what extent individuals may become addicted. Patterns of activity at this level interact with personal and subpersonal patterns of action to create meaning. Meaning operates at the core of addiction for the addict and her close social circle, as well as for researchers, treatment professionals, and policy makers. When an individual becomes addicted to some substance or activity, what that thing means to her shifts fundamentally, as does her conception of herself and the rest of the world. The meaning of that substance or activity to her spouse, friends, children, or parents, although completely different from what it is for the addicted person, is. driving force in their lives.