Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy addictions
April 23, 2009 - 4:44pm
http://campfire.theoildrum.com/node/5320
Jason Bradford provides an interesting matrix to classify an addiction as either healthy or unhealthy. He asserts that all of us have addictive tendancies, so it's best to channel that addictive behavior toward something that is healthy, and provides more satisfation in life.
The bottom line is that I don't believe we can keep from becoming addicted to something. Once we accept this fact of life, the issue becomes whether we can work on controlling what we are addicted to--making it healthy and inexpensive rather than destructive and costly.
He focuses his concerns to the addictive nature of consummerism.
As an American, I'd actually like to destroy the idea that we are a nation of consumers. We need a new identity.
So, what are you addicted to? And, according to Jason Bradford's matrix, would it be considered healthy or unhealthy?
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"As an American, I'd
"As an American, I'd actually like to destroy the idea that we are a nation of consumers. We need a new identity. Perhaps we can try "citizens" or "sentient Earthlings." I don't know, but just about anything is better than what we label ourselves now."
I prefer to call a spade a spade. Basically, if the consumer titled shoe fits....
Also, with all due respect to the author, I believe the term "addiction(s)" is being confussed with PASSION(S). Although, we as human beings inherit both addictions and passions....There is a big difference.
Julie
I read that paragraph a different way...
"I prefer to call a spade a spade. Basically, if the consumer titled shoe fits...."
He is not advocating a new name to cover up our consumeristic tendencies. He's saying that we, as a people, need a new core identity. And, flowing out of the core of our new nature and identity, let's slap a new name on in to reflect what we've actually become.
"Also, with all due respect to the author, I believe the term 'addiction(s)' is being confussed with PASSION(S)."
Great point! Many perceive an addiction as an external substance or activity that leverages influence on our will. In a sense, he redefines addiction by saying that it's possible to allow positive activities to influence our will. Those activities can rightfully be called passions too. :-)
So, what are your passions?
other response
I responded to one of your posts on another article "end of consumerism":
http://www.twoshirts.org/blog/brian.stevenson/2009/04/18/end_consumerism...
addicted to cooking
I am addicted to cooking, I think it is a healthy addiction. I think the best aspect of it for me is that food is meant to be eaten so I cannot get too attached to the object and I have to learn to enjoy the action, which hopefully includes someone other than myself.
addicted to eating
"I am addicted to cooking"
Ooooh... a match made in heaven! I'm addicted to eating, so that should work out nicely with your addiction to cooking.
"I think the best aspect of it for me is that food is meant to be eaten so I cannot get too attached to the object"
I have the opposite problem. Food tends to get attached me. Exhibit A: My expanding waistline!
You took the words
You took the words right out of my mouth Brian!
"He's saying that we, as a
"He's saying that we, as a people, need a new core identity. And, flowing out of the core of our new nature and identity, let's slap a new name on in to reflect what we've actually become."
We've earned the titles to many identities. Consumers just happen to be one of those titles. Btw - being a consumer isn't always a bad thing (ie: eating, bathing, wearing clothes, *breathing*:-) and so on....).
Upon further reflection, maybe some of my addictions AREN'T so bad. Breathing, blinking, blogging on twoshirts every day (of course the later could be classified as further proof of my ever lingering insanity, but hey....:-)
Julie