By Caron C. Andrews
When we think of addiction, we tend to think of drugs and alcohol, gambling, and tobacco. But we can add an addiction to pornography to the list. There are well-documented addictive tendencies that can show up even in early childhood, making your child more vulnerable to future addictions. Here is a brief summary of tendencies to look for in our kids.
- Risk-takers
Children who are daredevils—race fast on bikes or skateboards, climb trees higher than others, or push any kind of physical limit—can come to crave and rely on the adrenaline rush they get from these activities, putting them at higher risk for addictive behaviors later on (McClanahan, 2013; Stayton, 2013).
- Experimenting with Substances
When children experiment with drugs or alcohol very young, between nine and 12 years old, they have a much greater risk of becoming addicted later on. The chemical effects do a great amount of damage to developing brains and overall growth and development (Galante, 2014; McClanahan, 2013; Stayton, 2014).
- Impulsivity
Children who don’t learn to control their impulses in childhood may have difficulty controlling damaging impulses toward addictive substances or activities as they get older. A child who wants instant gratification, is impatient, intolerant of frustration, and who has trouble handling his feelings may be more at risk of developing addictions (Nelson, 1983; Seltzer, 2009).
- Genetics
Many studies have proven that children of addicts are at a far greater risk than children of non-addicts of becoming addicts themselves. This is true of substance addiction, such as alcohol and drugs, but can arguably be true of pornography as well (Galante, 2014; McClanahan, 2013; Stayton, 2014).
- Childhood Trauma
When a child has suffered a trauma such as physical, mental, or sexual abuse; the death of a parent; or neglect, she may turn to addictive behaviors or substances to help cope with her pain and stress. This is especially true if she hasn’t been taught healthy coping strategies (Galante, 2014; McClanahan, 2013; Stayton, 2014).
- Social Alienation or Isolation
Children who feel isolated, socially alienated, or who don’t seem to fit in well can be at risk for addictions. They may lack self-confidence and not know how to reach out to others for their emotional needs. Like the childhood trauma sufferer, these children may eventually turn to addictive behavior or substances to cope (Nelson, 1983; Galante, 2014).
Take stock of your children’s habits and behaviors. Look for signs of these tendencies and help your children with their struggles. There are actions you can take to change the path your children may be walking. Check out our article, “How to Curb Addictive Tendencies in Our Children,” for things you can do. Parents’ awareness is a powerful preventive tool to help at-risk children avoid future pain, problems, and addictions.
Curious to learn more? Check out our books, ; How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography, which is also available in ; and .
Need Help with Tough Topics? We got you covered!Sources:
Galante, A. (2014). Factors that may predict addictive tendencies. Lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com. Retrieved from http://lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com/factors-may-predict-addictive-tendencies-children/
McClanahan, K. (2013, September). Can early childhood factors predict addictive tendencies? Psychcentral.com. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/30/can-early-childhood-factors-predict-addictive-tendencies/
Nelson, B. (1983, January). The addictive personality: common traits are found. Nytimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/18/science/the-addictive-personality-common-traits-are-found.html
Seltzer, L. (2009, March). Childhood as an impulse control disorder (part 2). Psychologytoday.com. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/200903/childhood-impulse-control-disorder-part-2
Stayton, A. (2013). Addictive tendencies: early signs to signal your child needs your help. Womenhealthmagazin.com. Retrieved from http://www.womenhealthmagzin.com/women-articles/addictive-tendencies.htm
