An addiction is an addition is an addicion or is it?

[AServantofGod]

My Dad had problems with alcohol & so did his father. Well my siblings and myself rarely touch alcohol because we know the effects it could have on a person.

Sounds great, but I do have other things I can’t get past: Sodas, T.V., CA forums. If I give up one thing, say T.V., I’ll replace it with something else like computer time. I replaced Coca Cola with Diet Dr. Pepper. In fact my husband asked once teasing, “So what did you and your friends drink, beer?” to which I replied, “no, Diet Dr. Pepper; it might as well be beer”.

Is it good to replace one addiction (term used loosely) with another?

 

[springbreeze]

Dear friend

Good question. The only thing that I can think is there are degrees of outcomes to addictions.

It will have a worse effect on someone’s life and those around them to be addicted to drugs say than to be addicted to collecting pot elephants.

Also the level of addiction is also a factor. Say a person limits what they spend on their addiction, so much money per week for the buying of Dr Pepper, well that’s ok, but if wild amounts of money are spent on Dr Pepper’s that’s going to affect everyone adversely (could you drink that much Dr Pepper? )

Everyone has a particular liking for something, chocolate, movies, sports etc. Most addictions are hoobies that take over someone’s life. Some addictions start as an experiment and end up that the body is hooked on it, that’s different.

There are some things we should never touch, like drugs and then everything else should be done in reasonable moderation.

I suppose everything has the potential to be harmful and most things have the potential to be beneficial.

I go with the moderation thing on this.

Just my thoughts

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

 

[Mike_Olson]

I was told in rehab once " if it causes problems it is a problem " like with my drinking and drugging, I didn’t think I had a problem; but everyone in my life thought it was a problem. I had problems with my family with law enforcement so I have to admit that it was a problem. Replacing a destructive habit for a something else is good; but, like Springbreeze wrote, moderation is a good thing too. I hope this makes some sense

 

[Trelow]

AServantofGod:

Is it good to replace one addiction (term used loosely) with another?

Short term, yes. Long term, a resounding no.

Although some people are more predetermined to have a more addicting personality, there is always a cause to them developing it. By simply switching the object of addiction you are failing to address what is causing the desire to fill the void.

Now I’m not trying to comedown on anyone here. My wife and I both have great struggles, and can easily identify with anyone struggling with an addiction, but ultimately it’s love that one is searching for.

That fullness and aceptance can only be found within His Sacred Heart.

And you are not alone on the diet Dr.Poopoo, Angie does the same thing. It’s better though, but still needs improvement.

 

[Trelow]

springbreeze:

I suppose everything has the potential to be harmful and most things have the potential to be beneficial.

I go with the moderation thing on this.

Amen.

 

[AServantofGod]

springbreeze:

Dear friend

It will have a worse effect on someone’s life and those around them to be addicted to drugs say than to be addicted to collecting pot elephants.

I go with the moderation thing on this.

Teresa

Yes, unless the pot elephants take over a bedroom or the family’s food budget is being spent on those little guys. I guess then, once again, moderation is the answer.

 

[AServantofGod]

Mike_Olson:

I" if it causes problems it is a problem " Replacing a destructive habit for a something else is good; but, like Springbreeze wrote, moderation is a good thing too. I hope this makes some sense

This is a real good point - “if it causes problems it is a problem”. I suppose even in moderation if a habit somebody has is adversely affecting, let’s say a spouse, then no matter how small it is, it should be addressed.

 

[AServantofGod]

Trelow:

And you are not alone on the diet Dr.Poopoo, Angie does the same thing. It’s better though, but still needs improvement.

Hee! Hee! This might have been just what I needed to hear to break this habit.