ONE IS ENOUGH, TWICE IS TOO MUCH
Addiction refers to the repetitive habit of a person. A habit that can be positive or
negative. Positive addictions are the addictions that can help a person physically,
emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. For instance, we develop a habit of
exercising which can lead to working out. Exercising and working out help a person to
be physically fit. We can also use them as a sublimation. Moreover, exercising and
working out help us to relieve stress. Negative addictions, on one hand, are those
addictions that destroy our relationship with others, especially our connection with God.
This kind of addiction devastates our living balance. The book I’ve read entitled, “Healing
life’s hidden addiction”, taught me the following: what is the real meaning of addiction;
how addiction is different from hidden addiction; how addiction affects me; and how to
overcome my addictions.
The word “addiction” had a negative impression on me back then. Whenever I
heard about addiction before, I thought of the addicts who constantly use addictive
substances such as using marijuana, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol everyday.
But now that I’ve finished reading the book of Dr. Archibald, he gives me a wider view of
what addictions are all about. That addictions do not only pertain to addictive drugs but
also these also refer to addictive behaviors such as worrying, self-punishment,
workaholism, and too much obsession and craving. These addictive behaviors can be
considered as hidden addictions because they are not recognized by most of the people.
The people think those addictive behaviors are just normal.
Learning what addiction is all about makes me realize addictions affect my
everyday living. I used to be addicted to worrying. I had been worrying a lot back then. I
was bothered by doing paperworks on what to write on them, thinking that there would
be a surprise quiz, knowing that my close friends were angry at me, and making mistakes.
Moreover, I am addicted to self-hatred. I have been hating myself for being who I am. I
also don’t like my attitudes, the way I interact with others. I am too serious. And I realize I
am too obedient. I follow whatever they tell me to do even if it would make fun of me.
Besides worrying and self-hatred, I am also addicted to alcohol. Whenever I and my
friend gather, I drink alcohol until I become inebriated. As a result, I can’t go home
anymore.
If I have negative addictions, I also possess positive addictions. One of my positive
addictions is working out. Every afternoon, I go to the gym area and stay there for almost
fifteen minutes. Moreover, I also want to meditate. I always allot time for tranquility. I
want my mind to be at peace.
My addictions are not easy to overcome since my body looks for these addictive
substances and behaviors. There are steps, however, I’ve learned in order to overcome
my addictions. These steps are the following: I should admit that I have addictions; I
should identify where my addictions are rooted; I should seek help through a
psychologist or trusted friend or my family; and, I should ask guidance and grace from
God.
Addictions then do not only refer to the negative behaviors but also to positive
ones. Addictions become hidden for the reason that these do not get much attention from
the society. These addictions affect our everyday living positively and negatively. If we
become addicted to something which has negative impacts on us, we need to seek help
from a psychologist and from the power and the grace of God to overcome it.
