Positive Addictions

[Scooby]

I tend to get in "ruts" sometimes and they develop into habits and those, some of them, move into the addiction class. Communication between people can also get into a pattern. The Games People Play man pointed out many of the games we play, the "Why Don't You, Yes, Buts..." or the "Ain't it Awfuls" and may more that of which we may or may not be aware. Game-playing in this sense may also be an addiction, a way of avoiding real heart-to-hearts with some people.

In addition to tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, we can become addicted to heavily advertised junk food, cola drinks, coffee, and nasal decongestants or other pharmaceutical "quick fixes." We can also get "addicted" to television, work, unhealthy relationships, and now even the Internet. The subject confused me and then I saw a book called Positive Addictions. The book suggests that you use the same psychological tendencies that lead to the usual addictions to get "hooked" instead to things that are good for you.

Sometimes becoming aware involves an "aha experience" that happens when someone points it out to you, and sometimes it comes from quiet reflection, maybe a little navel study (introspection). There are no easy solutions, but I like that concept of replacing bad addictions with good ones! Sounds like one I can take to the bank.

[sycamore]

Oh Scooby! Positive addictions?? Pray tell us dear one, what are they? Just give us a few examples please...so interested to know.

[mikes]

Welcome to the board sycamore! That's a good question, a quick google search for"positive addictions" turned this up..

Addiction to drugs, alcohol, food, smoking, etc. are instances of powerful motivation, but they sap our strength and zest for doing our best. William Glasser (1965) believes there are other addictive activities that give us strength: jogging, meditating, writing a diary, exercising, relaxing, and so on. These are called positive addictions.

http://www.psychologicalselfhelp.org/Ch ... p4_47.html

Here is some more interesting reading...
http://www.creativepowerofthought.com/2 ... addiction/

I know of many people who have exercised until it became an addiction, although it takes much longer to develop a positve addiction than a negative one. ( nothing is easy, is it. ).

I know that there are social addictions as well, helping other folks get through things that you have gone through yourself is mentally rewarding, and it's not hard to get addicted to it fast. Participating in any kind of peer to peer support is very theraputic, and can actually help a person cope with their own problems, if you can teach by example. Kinda like if you smile enough, you'll actually get happier.

I know it's tough to apply youself to maintain positive addictions when you are depressed, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel helps pull a person through.

Just a thought,
Mikey