Phobias and Addictions Essay

What the Phobia?
Joy Hamby
    AGPSYO312D
PSY/300
April 19, 2012
Jan LaFrance

What the Phobia?

Addictions are commonly associated with drugs and alcohol. An addiction occurs when a person believes that he or she needs a substance to maintain normal daily functions. When the individual does not receive that which they crave, he or she becomes irritable and often intolerable. Phobias are constant irrational fears of situations, activities, and objects that a person may believe he or she is obligated to avoid. Phobias create social and emotional problems. They also cause individuals to isolate themselves from work and other social environments to avoid the creation of overwhelming anxieties. Classical and operant conditioning are ways in which people learn. The idea of classical conditioning focuses on the one naturally responding to stimuli. This form of conditioning leads to the development of phobias by way of learning. Operant conditioning focuses on the idea that the actions of a person lead to either a reward or a consequence. Further explanation will be provided as to how phobias and addictions are associated with classical and operant conditioning.
Addictions can lead to a problematic and secluded lifestyle. Addictions often lead to life threatening diseases, criminal behavior, mental illness, and suicide. A person suffering from an addiction also suffers from the compulsive act to engage in the addicting activity, despite the consequences. For example; a person addicted to video games may not believe he or she has a problem because this a leisurely activity that may help he or she relief stress. Video game addiction is a serious problem that causes people to overuse video games to the point where it may interfere with his or her lifestyle. Many people suffering from this addiction have been known to isolate themselves from all friends and family members. He or she often also avoids social activities. Video game addicts are similar to gamblers...