Most of us can discern the behavioral pattern of someone addicted to something. Fixation with something without much productive return, and repeated compulsively - to my mind, is addiction. Commonly I have found this term being applied to people who are fixated to certain harmful substances like drugs, alcohol and certain activities like gambling. The Merriam and Websters dictionary in one of its definitions stated that, addiction is a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble). Drugs do take complete control of users’ lives eventually leading them to a point of no return. However, some addictions seemingly harmless as in the case of impulsive usage of cell phones is just about the same story as addiction. I have personally observed some people touching their mobile phones even when they don’t have to use them. Prima facie, this habit may not be harmful, but I think such obsessiveness also should qualify to be an addiction of a kind.
It is not that users are unaware of the negative consequences of drug, alcohol usage, or gambling but it is just that they are unable to stop themselves from using, consuming and practicing them. That is what addiction is all about. At some stage it becomes physiological - that is the point when the mind cannot control the body anymore. It is a constant battle between mind and body and in case of addicts, the mind always loses the battle. That is the essence of addiction and therefore, rehabilitation requires a lot of time.
The addicts cannot adjust to the needs of the society - their moods, appetite, thinking processes are all badly disrupted. A few instances that I have known first-hand, have taken away whatever the family has been able to build over decades, tear them apart, bring instability, and rob the joys of simple things in life. The continuous supply of the substances requires money. The cycle is so vicious and the earnings so lucrative that mafia emerges in the process. The users prefer a dose of amphetamine or a shot of whiskey or vodka, or a deal of hand over a good meal on the table, no matter how nourishing it is.
As we talk about addicts, we would reason out the “whys” and “hows” which led them to do what they did. Well, most of us would also begin to refer to the victims in a derogatory tone, commenting on their poor choices and upbringing in life and so on. People addicted to harmful substances are the first to be targeted and criticized; more so, because their addictions are visible to human eye and can be felt by other senses.
As I further probe the subject, I learned that addiction can be either physiological or psychological. Sometimes both! (as my mentor rightly suggested). One can obsess over gaming, social media, pornography, etc., these are perhaps a few of the psychological addictions that one can be trapped by, what with the world-wide-web being at the tip of our finger
Likewise, even if it is controversial to use the word addiction to aspects pertaining to beliefs, power hunger, and many other critical issues that loom large in our society, I think it would still need to be said, that some people are addicted to certain religious beliefs and practices without proper discernment; believing it to be the right thing, even if it is harmful. Objective functional life does not need people to be doing certain things beyond the need, and in doing so, causes more harm than good. And for the thirst of uncontrolled power, wealth, etc., we do unfathomable deeds!
Looking at the second definition - an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something; it makes me feel like I too, am addicted to certain things - because I too had felt a compulsive need to do or have something. I say this because one needs to become aware that one faltered before beginning his or her fight.
A few years ago, I found myself admitted to the hospital many times in a year. The prognosis? Neurasthenia. I literally had to google what it was and why I developed this condition. I realized later that there was a trigger to the condition. As I dealt with it, it was difficult because the symptoms were- loose motions, vomiting, shivers, instant weakness and a feeling that I lacked oxygen in my body. With the numerous trips to the emergency, it stumbled upon me that, I’m okay when sedated. I was elated, pop the medicine and sleep, the sickness goes away! There was a need to constantly take the medicines!! Or so, I believed.
Between two hospitals and two MDs, I continued my treatment with the late Dr. W. Pde. He was kind enough to explain to me that I have to fight my problems, lest I get addicted to the medications. He helped reduce the dosage and wean me out of the pills in his own quiet way. It helped.
My parents also played an important role in it, my mother said, “why brood over something to the extent that it affects your whole being? Just don't let it take control of you”. I straightened my back, thought to myself, “I don’t want to be hooked on to the medicines”. That was the day that I chose to let go, to start fresh and above all, to let my mind take control of the situation. The condition, sure decreased. It recurs but not with such severity as before.
With this experience in my life, I would want to share the fact that, yes, one can be addicted to any form of substance, conduct, behavior, etc., But there’s always a way out, it’s not the end of the road. We only need to make a conscious choice, seek help, stick to it and fight it head on! Deep thinking is needed here. And the conviction that between the mind and the body, what should eventually matter is the MIND. Undeniably.
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