The guy with the bloodshot eyes you see staggering down the street – you pity him, don't you? The dirty young man slumped against the wall, eyes lost in a haze of drugs – you pity him, too, don't you? They're addicts and you think they're to blame for their misfortune, for not being able to stand up and face their own problems, choosing to drown their sorrows in legal or illegal substances.
How about you? What are you addicted to? There are lots of things in this world that no one in their right minds would dare to call addiction and yet they serve the same purpose as drugs or alcohol – keep you from having to face your own problems.
Work is one of those. Many go to work because they have to, but see it as just a way to have a roof over their heads and pay the bills. Trying to enjoy their lives as best they can in their free time. Yet, far too many make their job as their main purpose in life. The guys that always work long hours, spend much of their spare time worrying over job-related issues. How many people do you know that have little or no life outside of their jobs? They might even have a family, but home is just the place where they go to rest and clean up for the next work day?
Imagine a homeless guy who spends his nights on a bench just across the street from such a workaholic? What does the homeless think seeing the couple across the street as they leave in a hurry every morning, already wearing their busy-people masks? They won't be back until late in the evening, wearing their worn-out masks, talking about the problems they've had to deal today and tomorrow's challenges. Maybe the homeless envies them their nice home, maybe he pities them for what they are – work-addicts.
These are not the people struggling to make ends meet, not even those wanting a bigger house – but people who take refuge in work. When you're too exhausted with your work or too concerned coming up with some clever business plan, there is no time left to wonder whether you're happy or not, what is your purpose in life or what do you truly desire. You don't have to face you're demons. You're to busy for that!
'Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (for example, alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (such as gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns, such as work, relationships, or health.' (Psychology Today)
According to the above definition, my argument is completely wrong. Or is it? Why is it that work is an 'ordinary responsibility' but there is no mention about your life? Isn't that or shouldn't it be your main responsibility and concern? You can always get another job, but not a second life. If you work to the point that it drowns out any other interests it is an addiction. Work is where many people find refuge from their unacknowledged issues, just as the bar is the place a drunk hides away from his demons.
There are many other seemingly innocent pastimes ordinary people are addicted to, but no one looks down on them, as they are socially acceptable.
Let's say you're spending a quiet evening at home. No one will frown if all that you do is check your Facebook every five minutes. But it is an addiction, nevertheless. You need the constant distraction, the worthless news your friends will post, to keep you from seeing that your life is empty, you have no passion, no interests. You're just killing time. Laughing at a meme is way better than asking yourself if this is the life you dreamed of when you were a kid.
The game I play everyday tells me just this: 'Relax...and play Candy'. Many time I lie to myself I'll just use that time to think about my next post. I never do. I don't think of anything else. Just stare at the damn candies with a blank mind.
The many screens that surround us are in most cases just a means to avoid thinking. Like drugs and alcohol.
Compulsive shopping is nothing to worry about, merely something to joke about with your friends. Yet people spend hours at the mall, distracting their minds with the colorful displays. Buying useless stuff is not the real purpose here, but filling a few hours of the weekend, away from the bleak display of the insatisfactions and insecurities you don't have the guts to face.
Even going to the gym can become a means of escaping reality. Your inner reality. It is a healthy habit, no doubt, but it too can become compulsive. Someone I knew used to spend several hours every evening riding a stationary bike at home – to keep in shape. That was an addiction if I ever saw one. A life spent between work and grueling exercise sessions is not a life, but you're way too busy to notice that.
As this is the second post I've written today I'm wondering – am I addicted to Steemit? Could be...
What are your opinions? What are your addictions?
Thanks for reading
Images: Pixabay
If I had to choose, I'd say I'm addicted to research (that probably sounds foolish)
I guess you can say that. Yet you're the kind of guy not afraid to confront his demons and think a lot about his life... so it's not like this research addiction is taking over your life.
Really... Then why can't I stop!!! LOL- I do it in my sleep I think!
you know something @richq11 it actually good to know apparently all things, i am a research freak too, i research about all thing and the more i do i get to realize that that it actually building me positively, remember that YOU ARE FORM BY THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION YOU PUT IN. kudos Rich !(
)
source {google.com]
You know, you're right! After a lifetime (over 25 years) of being addicted to drugs and alcohol- it feels good to be addicted to some that garners positive results!
oxygen.
I'm addicted to it.
I tried to give it up...really I have...
I pass out...
I'm doomed...addicted to a colorless, tasteless...gas.
A good thing, too.... Don't let them cure you of this addiction.
lol i wouldn't allow any scientice cure me of my addiction to oxygen Rebecca
addiction is a hijacked word
hahahah given up on oxygen is one thing you shouldn't try doing, we should be glad we are addicted to it, enjoy it sir, life is worth being addicted to
that's a nice one!
I had my smart-assed comment ready about the over/under on how many folks would say Steemit, but I see you're already there.
Some good thoughts here; especially about being happy.
Maybe another question, too...
Is your addiction unhealthy if it fulfills you?
Much easier to attain for those of us that are self-employed...
Yes, it is easier when you're self-employed... I'm taking the night off right now, go watch a movie with one of my favorite actors and have a drink.... ooops, that's an addiction too...
have a fun night
Here's another definition of addiction, from Ken Keys Jr. You can read more in "The Handbook to Higher Consciousness."
Keys tells us that we are addicted to something if we have a negative emotional reaction if we cannot have it. For example, I am addicted to my friends being on time if I become angry when they are late. I am addicted to my job if I fear losing it. I am addicted to eating healthy food if I have an anxiety attack when I cannot find what I consider "healthy."
I like this definition very, very much.
The way to undo addictions, according to Keys, is to uplevel them to preferences. I can recognize my desire to eat healthy food, but if I simply prefer it, without having a negative reaction when I am eating at my unhealthy relative's house, I will have saved myself a lot of pain.
I can also be addicted to "not doing" things. For example, if I become really stressed out and angry when I have to pay my taxes, I am addicted to not paying taxes, even if I pay them every time. It is our emotional responses, our "emotion backed demands" for things that indicates addiction.
This works with all emotions, and all things. Its a really great thought to keep in mind! See if it helps you too.
Yes, even keeping to a healthy diet can be an addiction if it intereferes with your normal life... If you can control it effectively, than it's ok. Thanks for your comment.
I think I'm addicted to procrastination, if that's even a thing... It's getting better now that I'm trying to write regularly on Steemit, but it's still an issue sometimes.
Writing on Steemit is a good way of getting over the tendency to procrastinate... I am very good at procrastinating myself, but since I've been on Steemit I keep to my schedule and post almost every day and do some curation. The only time I did not post was when I was down with the flu...
You could say that you are addicted to not doing certain things. And then you act out emotionally by putting them off. If you simply accept that you have to do things without reacting, you might stop procrastinating. Good luck!
nice one, to stop procrastination is not as easy as it is being said here though, you need a lot of energy and determination to conquer it.
@Dan, this is a bad one, do not give procrastination drive you to where you ought not to be, kill it before it kills you, i think you have made a good choice by engaging into writing on steemit platform but to back it up, i think you will have to create a new circle of friends, associate with people who gets it done, no matter what, disciplining yourself bro, procrastination is a horrible one to be addicted to, i am a testifier, it has really done me wrong in my past years.
Even when we wait for a friend or someone, we just cannot help but take out our phone and distract ourselves. If we stay just a little time with ourselves without distractions, our demons will come up. So we're always escaping. A very good experience to do will be to isolate ourselves, without any distraction. Without a phone or a laptop. It is only then that we will know the truth of who we really are.
Thanks for this topic.
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I'm addicted to steeeeeeemit!!!
lol i have been trying to deviate from Facebook to steemit , i wish i could also be addicted to steemit a s you, though am couple of week old here put i know with the kind of relationship am creating here, i will someday be addicted to it too. am coming to meet you there.
I've never met a person - yet - who isn't an addict in one form another.
(mostly psychological, rather than chemical)
Not.... one... single..... person.
but that doesnt answer the question, the question is,"what are you addicted to?" lol
Good point! lol
That's a whole discussion in self!
This such a deep post @ladyrebecca It reminds us not to judge others before we have looked in the mirror! If you like psychology I would love it if you gave me your opinion on my latest post https://steemit.com/life/@t8scones/life-always-finds-a-way-fighting-loneliness STEEM ON!!
@t8scones i will read through and give my own submission too
@hairmeka Thank you :) STEEM ON!!
There's a line between obsession and addiction.
Screens, Facebook, exercise, money, work, success, sex, sleep, food, calories....
I'd say, "Everything in moderation, including moderation itself" is the secret.
water
smoking
:)
Phone, i might try to go without it for a week.
Excellent article! For me the best way to beat addiction is to stay as busy as you can, and to get out of isolation as best you can. Isolation was probably one of the biggest factors in my addiction. If you can stay busy doing positive activities, and being social at least every now and again you stand a better chance at success. Humans were never meant to be alone!
Excellent!! I share with you my article https://steemit.com/literature/@dacamero/if-you-answer-yes-to-these-5-questions-you-are-a-workaholic