Need vs Want vs Addiction

flowchart TD 
	subgraph W ["Addiction / Want Feedback Loop"]
		A(Addiction / Want) --> B(Achieved) -->|Brief Satiation, Emptiness| D(Frustration) --> E(Double-Down) --> A 
		A --> I(Not Achieved) -->|Longing, Craving| D
	end
	
	subgraph N ["Need Feedback Loop"]
		F(Unmet Need)
		J(Meet Need) --> K(Satiation) -->|Time Passes| O(Natural Hunger) --> F --> J
	end 
	
	subgraph S ["Self Awareness"]
		M(Misdiagnose Need) --> A
		D --> G(Reground) --> H(Diagnose Underlying Need)
		G --> M
	end
	
	A -.-> F
	H --> J
	

Hypothetical example: a successful business man may want a big home, they work hard to get the big home, and when they do, it feels shallow and empty, and they’re left feeling confused and frustrated. In fact, the “big house” may represent an underlying need for being worthwhile, and being worthwhile is grounded in a need for social belonging and safety. If he doesn’t reground and recognize the pattern, he may change his goal post, and try to get an even bigger home or something analogous.

Addictions have an “unmet need” that they wind up destabilizing. An alcoholic may drink to induce relaxation, but the alcohol may make their sleep worse, which in turn increases the need for relaxation. Cycle.

This destabilizing relationship can be more subtle. Fast food is high calorie low nutrition. While consuming fast food may feel good in the short run, they ultimately lack the nutrition needed for fuller sense of satiation. In some sense, human taste and satiation signaling could be co-opted to drive consumption.