An Addiction structure a variation of a Shifting the Burden structure in which the side effect which results is an addiction to the symptomatic solution. This structure is composed of two balancing loops and a reinforcing loop. It is a very annoying structure because the two balancing loops act as a single reinforcing loop migrating the situation in the same direction as the reinforcing loop. Both structures cooperate in moving the system in a direction other than the one desired.
In the above diagram a problem symptom is
perceived with multiple possible courses of action. One course
of action, the symptomatic solution has an apparent
time frame advantage over the fundamental solution
because of other associated delay. As a result the problem
symptom influences the application of the symptomatic
solution. Application of the symptomatic solution
reduces the problem symptom which dissolves the
perceived necessity of pursuing the fundamental solution.
A failure to implement the fundamental solution
ensures that the problem symptom will return.
Let's face it, band aids on cut knees don't keep one from falling
of bicycles.
As if this wasn't annoying enough, implementation of the symptomatic
solution, in time, influences the development of unintended
side effects, which are often further preclude
employing the fundamental solution. In the case of the
Addition structure one actually becomes addicted to the side effect
that develops.
The interactions between the problem symptom, symptomatic solution, side effect, and fundamental solution form a viscous reinforcing loop which make the real source of the problem, in time, even more difficult to resolve.