When I sat down to write this topic title I thought it would be a lot easier and I struggle to get the words right even now. I've talked a lot about addiction, recovery and sobriety since we joined the Steemit platform so I was sure this topic would be a slamdunk. So, now I sit here wondering how to explore this topic. And, that's when I realised - the exploration of the topic IS the topic.
Is everyone addicted to something?
I tend to think about addiction, recovery and sobriety as things that exist on a spectrum. Because of that belief system, it leads to the thought process that almost everyone is addicted to something, on some level. There are lots of addictions, even down to the very small things in life. If we even examine smartphone usage we can see so many examples of addictive tendencies.
Most of us check our phones, social media accounts, Steemit and email multiple times a day. Some of us refresh those feeds and updates looking for the most recent update. Your brain is actually wired for this response and releases dopamine which is the reward system for the brain. So, in this case, we're mimicing feelings similar to the way that drugs work.
Should you be worried?
Lots of people ask for advice on whether or not they or a friend is dealing with addiction. We simply suggest that people think about their actions, activities and choices and if those things are negatively impacted by their actions. If they are, consistently, you might be dealing with addiction that exists on a spectrum. For instance, if we're talking about smartphone addiction it might be less impactful than say an addiction to coke or methamphetamines might be.
While these spectrums exist across all kinds of addictions there is also a severity axis as well. As I alluded to earlier, not being able to put your cellphone away at the dinner table is less serious than a coke habit but both can/should be treated with similar reverance.
What can you do?
Pay attention to how you feel, the decisions you make and the reasons for your actions. At any time if you feel like your actions or decisions are coming from a place you don't fully control - step back and determine the severity.
Here on Steemit we're open to offering support in any way that we can. If you have a question about addiction, recovery or sobriety we'd love to hear from you. Let's tackle the stigma, remove barriers and engage in open, honest dialogue.
To your recovery
Live Rehab
I think everyone is addicted to certain things, whether it be activities, people, jobs, financial security, substances etc.. If they lose any of the things they;re addicted to, they lose a big part of their identity. Even "letting go of attachments"can become an addiction in a way, where people don't care about losing relationships, employment, shelter etc...
That's an excellent point - that's why we believe that most things exist on a spectrum with an axis for severity. The letting go of attachments movement is one you can most certainly become addicted to! Spirituality is a big one I didn't even touch on! Really appreciate your time and effort to make a worthwhile comment.
Haven't had a drink April 9, 2012. :) Finding my passion for art gave me a reason to stop using alcohol, recovery gave me the way to stop using alcohol. ONe day at a time.
Exactly - been sober now since August 2011 from drink too - one day at a time my brother!
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@originalworks
Great post, thanks for sharing! :)