Why Do People Get Addicted

I wrote that answer on this forum.

The answer is invariant reinforcement.

Some of the proceeding answers correctly point out to genetic (chemical/hormonal inbalances) or environmental (cultural, familial) predispositions to addiction. But the mechanism that causes people to be addicted is sporadic intervals of pleasure and pain. The key word is sporadic, as that set up the person for expectancy that overrides intentionality.

The model is as follows:

Interval #1: pain-pain-pain-pleasure-pain-pleasure-pain-pain-pain-pain-pleasure
Interval #2: pleasure-pain-pain-pain-pain-pleasure-pleasure-pain-pleasure-pain

Now, apply that to real life situation, for example, spousal abuse. The same would be true with any kind of addiction.

Day #1: abuse-abuse-abuse-gift-abuse-abuse-love-abuse
Day #2: love-love-love-abuse-abuse-abuse-gift-abuse-abuse

This is an extremely hard cycle to break. There are only two approaches that really work: #1. Don't enter the cycle in the first place-- don't marry the abuser, take that first drink, etc. as the first taste will always be pleasure; or #2. Stop cold turkey. Divorce the brute, toss the bottles, etc. I cannot think of any other way.