May 1, 2002

• Extinction Burst

  
  

  Lab rats and various primates including Homo sapiens exhibit a behavior pattern that researchers have called the extinction burst.

  
  

  A man may approach an elevator, press the button, wait, then push it again.  He may grow restless, look around, pace, then go back and push the button again.  Eventually, he may tire of waiting and think of leaving.  Before walking away, however, the disappointed one may push the button several times in rapid repetition.  That is the extinction burst.

  
  

  Extinction bursts can be seen in many common patterns of action.  There is the “last fling” exhibited in bachelor parties and the binges from which many sailors have been dragged or carried by their mates just as the ship weighs anchor.

  
  

  One of the most perilous times for an addict is right at the point when he has decided to go into rehab.  Those extinction bursts can be the death of the addict.

  
  

  Baffled at my own recent self-destructive behavior as I indulge my cravings for allergic/addictive foods, I’ve searched for answers.  Recognizing this current eating binge as typical of the extinction burst pattern may clue me to what is going on, but it doesn’t begin to enlighten me on when or how it might end.

  
  

  Am I digging my grave with a fork and spoon–or is this just another in a long series of healing crises for me?

  • 3:39 pm
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