We can all agree about how destructive addictions are. At least what's referred to in this prompt. We must have seen firsthand the effects on a person who has become a victim of one addiction or another. What some victims become is so disturbing that even you who's not related to them in some way feels a level of pain and concern for them. But then why do they not still leave it? I think that's the big question.
Maybe a more emotional and considerate one is, why can't they quit it? Because that's what addiction is. It's something a person gets so enslaved to that a minute or a day without it is a very uncomfortable situation. It becomes more like what defines life for such a person. And addictions exist in various forms. We're familiar with drugs, smoking, drinking and the like. Sadly, we don't realise that the likes of social media doomscrolling are subtle ones.
The point is, if an action or thing takes hold of you that you can't seem to control, that's addiction. If only that can be translated to the positive, it would do us good. But it seems easier to get addicted to the negative rather. Those that destroy and ruin a person. This is why addiction is something that starts with a choice. It may be due to peer pressure, coercion or other external influences, but you still choose to go in, to start it.
One piece of advice in this regard is to not even start that thing. When you choose to start something that tends to become a stronghold over you, you give consent to it. Be it a sip, a look, a puff, or whatever, a one-time action can become a lifetime struggle. Addictions are certainly difficult to quit or overcome, but can we say that it's beyond one's control or individual capabilities? Or is it a case of failure to commit to the goal of quitting?
I've heard stories of people who were addicts speak of how it was difficult to quit even when they wanted to. And even of those who remain captive to these addictions. You'll understand that they don't even enjoy it but can't bring themselves to stop. While we can sympathise with them, it'll be wrong to say this is totally beyond one's individual capabilities. If you got yourself in through some influence, you might need that influence to also get out. And discipline too.
This is where seeking intentional help comes in. Have support systems and someone to always report to, even when you fail to beat the addiction’s appetising control. But it all starts with the victim who was once just a visitor. Once again, choice led the person there so choice is also needed to pull out. Without making that choice, it'll be hard to find help and commit to the processes of quitting. Not totally an individual effort, but it starts with the individual's efforts.
So, is being addicted to something a choice, yes. Quitting is difficult but possible with the right systems, support, and importantly a choice through intentional efforts such as staying away from people, locations or things that could lead one back. Making it known that one doesn't indulge in it again helps too. Quitting begins with a choice and it's not beyond our individual capabilities because we're the ones who need to live without that addiction, personally.
Image is AI generated.
