Your addictions are toxic

This is a topic I have been meaning to write about since last year, but I kept putting it off.

Addiction is something we are all aware of. It’s when you’re constantly ingesting a substance or engaging in an activity that you find pleasurable. For example: drug, alcohol, gambling, shopping, gaming, and etc.

While the substance or activity itself may bring us pleasure, it is very harmful to us in the long run.

Why?

1. You lose self control. You’re no longer able to “live” without it because you’re constantly thinking or craving for it.

2. Time and money is scarce. We only have 24 hours a day. If you spend 5+ (or however long you spend) hours feeding your addiction, you will have less time to do other things, or take care of other responsibilities.

Likewise, if you spend $100 or $200 (0r however much you spend) per week on indulging your addiction, you have less money for other stuff that may be more important (Ex. Rent, food, so on)

If addiction is so bad, why do people allow themselves to get addicted?

The answer is simple. At the moment, it makes us feel good. As humans, we want to enjoy ourselves. Sometimes, addiction is a way to escape from reality. Those who game may prefer life inside a game more than real life. Those who gamble may enjoy the adrenaline of winning it big. Those who consume drugs enjoy being high. You get the idea.

Generally, it shouldn’t matter what people choose to do with their own bodies, time or money. However, if it affects your loved ones, you really need to think about your actions and try to stop.

I have friends whose parents are so addicted to gambling that they almost lost their houses.

I know people who are so addicted to gaming that they do nothing except game all day. They don’t look for a job. They don’t do anything to contribute at home.

Obviously, these are extreme cases and I’m aware that there are different levels of addiction. But if you’re highly addicted to something, please consider the following:

What would you be doing instead if you weren’t ___________? How would you spend this extra time?

If you weren’t a smoker/alcoholic/shopaholic/so on, what would you do with the extra money?

Imagine life without the addiction. If you like what you see, then create a plan to try to stop.

For example, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, limit yourself to 19 per day the following week. Then 18 the week after that. Then 17, 16, 15, so on.

It takes massive discipline and will be difficult at first. But your health and $$ is worth it.

I hope this article helps you. At the end of the day, only you can make the decision to change. 
If you like my content, and would like to support me, you can donate to me! ❤