I dont really understand addiction. Sure, I understand the pull; I get it just like anyone else. But I weave in and out of my addictions/vices more like habits. When I realize there is a problem, I cut them off or attempt to reduce the dependency. Some are harder to crack than others, but once it effects my life enough, I know when its time to change things. When I was younger, I would play MMORPG games. I got hooked on World of Warcraft and whole 4-5 hour spans would elapse and I wouldnt remember what happened outside of the game (people coming and going or conversations I had). I would even get mad if someone wanted to use the computer (despite the fact that I had already been on much of the day). I would flip out for no reason. I realized this was an issue so I decided to set parental time settings to kick me off after about 2-3 hours a day. This worked, but since they were self set settings, it wasnt long before I rationalized that I should go around them for this or that..slowly it would take hold again before I realized that I had to stop altogether (so I did). Recently, it was caffeine. I would be drinking coffee and soda throughout the day. Every couple hours it would be one or the other. And I always felt exhausted later in the day but could never understand why. One night I started to get an annoying headache before I realized it was because I hadnt had soda or coffee in TWO HOURS. It was time to stop. I dont drink soda anymore (occasionally, but not on a regular basis) and I have cut back on my coffee consumption time and again when it starts to get bad again. Now I drink mostly decaf (I mainly just like the taste). I refuse to believe the idea that addiction is a disease because that just gives people an excuse to say its not my fault, I cant control it and just continue on their ways with no remorse. Perhaps its a genetic disposition where it is easier to get addicted to something than other people; similar to when your immune system is more susceptible to catching something after it has gotten it once (such as poison ivy). But a disease? If you conquer yourself, then you conquer the world -Paulo Coelho These are just my thoughts and opinions though. Anyone care to input?
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:00:41 +0000