"Addiction, at its worst, is akin to having Stockholm Syndrome. You are like a hostage who has developed an irrational affection for your captor. They can abuse you, torture you, even threaten to kill you, and you will continue to be inexplicably and disturbingly loyal" | Anne Clendening
Given that cryptocurrencies are pretty new, there are not many statistics, or even resources, available in terms of addiction. This is good news, as it means that we do have plenty of resources to understand and treat gaming addiction, one of the oldest addictive behaviors in the book.
It is bad news in the sense that gaming addictions are not generally taken as seriously as they should be, and according to recent studies, lead to the highest annual rate of all addiction-related suicides. While the majority of individuals who invest and exchange cryptocurrency will not experience pathological issues, some will engage in problematic behaviors leading to addiction, according to Aaron Sternlicht, a counselor and the co-founder of the Family Addiction Specialists of New York. Marini, at Castle Craig Hospital, said that addictions to substances are easily detected, but signs of a gaming or cryptocurrency trading addiction are anxiety, depression, and panic attacks as the market turns against an addict.
"A good addiction is a contradiction in terms. Anything that people cannot give up or must have is unhealthy, regardless of the activity" | Jody Dean
As with all addictions, Marini said, the first step in recovery for cryptocurrency trading addicts is realizing that something is wrong and seeking help, adding it is often family members who discover a problem and get help, while addicts are still in denial. In extreme cases, some family members may have to say that the person facing the cryptocurrency addiction cannot see them or talk with them until he is ready and willing to seek help. In general, loved ones wish to cease behaviors which allow an individuals cryptocurrency addiction, such as supporting an individual who is addicted to financial resources, lying for them in order to hide their addiction, or making excuses for their negative behaviors.
If, through asking questions like those above, you have seen that someone in your household has a cryptocurrency addiction, it is often best to openly address this issue and honestly address it with him or her. Having a basic knowledge about crypto, like what is Bitcoin, what is Ethereum, what are alt coins, and other similar basics, can help to enhance relationships and become the conduit to a more open dialog between yourself and those facing cryptocurrency addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to cryptocurrencies, a first step could be to use the help lines against addictions, it is very likely that they exist in your country, call and raise your problem, as a rule they work 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week, you will get free and confidential support.
"What fascinates me about addiction and obsessive behavior is that people would choose an altered state of consciousness that is toxic and seemingly destroys most aspects of their normal life, because for a brief moment it feels good" | Moby
A Scottish rehabilitation centre has recently opened specifically for crypto-addiction, and addiction programs around the United States are beginning to offer more resources specific to cryptocurrency. Unlike with alcoholism or other clinically diagnosed addictions, there is no formal treatment infrastructure yet established for individuals who claim to engage in excessive cryptocurrency trading and cannot stop. People suffering from cryptocurrency addiction should seek specialized services or therapy from an addiction counselor.
"Addiction: When you can give up something at any time, as long as it's next Tuesday" | Nikki Sixx
