When it comes to addiction, nothing is good coming out of it. Conventionally, we tend to associate addiction with drugs but from my observations, there are many subtle addictions going on in our society. Workaholic is one example in which we are addicted to work. Being too much into a hobby, gaming, or sex is another one. Perhaps, any type of addiction that can cause harm for ourselves needs more attention.
More importantly, addiction requires a conscious mind to recognize and to stop it. I had not watched Korean dramas for so many years, yet the other day, my friend introduced me a really good one, which intrigues me. I thought I just wanted to check it out, however, after watching one episode, I could not stop myself from opening the next one. All by myself, I was into it that I was not aware of how much time had passed by. I even violated my own boundary which is sleeping early by 10pm to continue watching. And I am sure even if there was someone there cutting me out of the screen, I would be mad instead of listening to them. That is the danger of addiction, you do not want to get out.
Everything can be good within a limit and starts being bad when there is attachment. Attachment is what makes us not want to leave. With this definition, love that involves attachment can be an addiction too. The impermanence of our nature does quest us to have an end for everything. The journey is what is left. Perhaps, you should be happy if the journey turns out long and meaningful. However, not accepting to leave something or someone is an unhealthy mindset. Yes, as humans, we can do our best to stay but be mindful to not evoke or disrupt the nature of things.
The voice of temptation is always so strong. To an addict, the battle within himself or herself is the toughest. That voice keeps convincing you to continue doing the activity that advances your addiction. “Just one more time”, “just a little bit more”, these little things add up and make it harder for you to get back to where you were. It is like stepping your feet into mud, it only gets deeper and dirtier. Having said that, there might be an emergency exit by asking yourself how you feel after doing that little bit, do you feel bad and regretful, what would be the alternative that you will take next time? Giving yourself a choice is already an act of fighting with addiction.
It is worse if the addict isolates himself or herself from everyone else because if they are not mindful to bring themselves out, no one knows to help them. Therefore, sharpening our mind and paying attention to how we do an activity is critical. Before someone coming to you with a concern, you should raise a concern for yourself. Addiction can destroy ourselves and our future!
