Re: Addiction : a definition
Dear Alex,
You wrote:
>>Does an addiction have to have a negative impact? Addiction to sweets seems
ok for me..... BTW...I'm not fat, neither am I getting fat! It keeps me
awake at lectures.....<<
Such a wonderful substance, sugar. The immediate stimulation from the "rush"
works well to keep one alert. I read that other substances such as mint work
equally well to keep a person alert. Maybe sugar-free mints wouldn't have the
negative effects on someone battling the buldge.
I have heard the term "positive addictions" applied to such things as
exercise and reading. While some people may feel "compelled" (compelled =
compulsive = addicted) to do certain "positive" things, I would disagree that
these would fall into the category of an addiction if there is no negative
impact on the person's life.
For example, I have known runners who became irritable when missing their
morning run (missing their "endorphine high"), but this could only be
considered a negative impact on their life with a stretch of the imagination.
However, If their irritability led to domestic problems or inability to
function at work (as withdrawal from some drugs does), then we might want to
consider it an addiction.
Does this answer the question?
Warmly,
--Byron Lewis