Identifying Addiction
Do you think you have an addiction? Are you unsure how to tell? Here are some questions you can ask to find an answer.
In order to rid yourself of an addiction, you must first realize what an addiction is. An addiction is simply an abundance of excess in your life which you feel is necessary. It is important to recognize that excess is usually harmful and balance is always more desirable.
The problem most people have; however, is not choosing balance over excess. Most people agree that balance is more desirable. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine what is excess and what is reasonable. The good news is, there are ways to test this.
How Much is Too Much?
Naturally, excess is a relative term. Too much of something entirely depends upon the activity as well as the person. There is often no clear distinction, but you can test whether something is done in excess by asking yourself the following questions:
1. Can I live without [blank]?
If you can answer yes to this question, then you are in good shape. However, if you are so attached to something that you feel you would not survive without it, you should try to find other sources of pleasure.
2. Is [blank] harmful to my health or well-being?
If you find that partaking in the same action too many times causes you pain or discomfort, this is generally a sign that you should hold back. With certain activities, like exercise and weight training, a small amount of pain is to be expected. After all, “no pain, no gain.” However, even in activities where some pain is normal, discomfort should be taken as a warning sign.
3. Is [blank] constantly on my mind?
If you find that you are always thinking about the same activity, it could be a bad sign. Anxiousness and anxiety can cause one to think excessively about a particular thing, and that is normal. The difference between anxiousness and excess is whether or not you are partaking in the activity. If you fantasize about something because you want to do it, that is normal anxiousness; however, if you fantasize about something that you do on a regular basis, you may be doing too much of it.
4. Does doing [blank] give me any pleasure?
A very good test of balance versus excess comes from the amount of pleasure you get from engaging in the activity. If you enjoy doing it, than that is a healthy sign. Although, if you no longer gain much pleasure doing the activity, and you simply do it because you feel obligated or pushed to do it, than it could be that you do it in excess.
Excess or Addiction?
If you feel that, based on your answers to the above questions, you do something in excess, then you should also determine whether your habit is actually an addiction. To find out, start by asking yourself the following:
5. Does My Attitude Change When I Do [blank]?
If you find yourself becoming short and agitated easily when you engage in your excessive behavior, then you may be struggling with addiction.
6. Do I Take [blank] More Seriously Than I Should?
Once again, if the answer is yes, than you become exceedingly upset when you are unable to do the activity or if you lose at the activity (if the activity is a game or competition of some kind). If the people you do the activity with become disinterested in continuing because of your behavior, take these signs seriously.
7. Am I Choosing [blank] Over Friends and Family?
If you find that you are more interested in the activity than spending time with people you love, this is also a big warning sign. Addictions are known for their ability to incite the alienation of others. Especially when you seek to spend time with friends, but feel your other project is too important to postpone (even when it is clearly not), this is an almost sure sign of addiction.
How to Handle Addiction
If you find that you do have an addiction, take this realization seriously. Try to distance yourself from whatever it is you are addicted to or seek help in friends or professionals. Addictions are known to damage and destroy lives. Don’t let this happen to you.
If you find that you are struggling with excess, but not addiction, you should still take steps to creating a balance. Excess can quickly turn into addiction and, even if it does not, it can still be damaging. Try to find other sources of pleasure. You don’t need to completely give up your former pastime, but multiple options will make you more rounded as a person.
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