Addictions

An addiction is the state or set of circumstances in which a person feels compelled to act in a manner that causes self-harm. Observations:

• In reality, a person always retains his freedom and is never entirely forced into anything. Yet there are cases where the opposite seems to occur, which is why it is said that the individual feels compelled.
• When the behavior is less coercive, we speak not of addiction, but of a vice, an unhealthy inclination, etc.
• If the action results in genuine good for the person, it is likewise not called an addiction, but a good habit, a virtue, etc.

We speak of addictions in connection with bad habits and not good ones because an addiction is understood to be something that a person does not truly want, and it is evident that we naturally desire to do good rather than evil. Good habits and virtues are not something to be rejected, but rather beneficial aids that make doing good easier, which is what we all desire.

Depending on the object that enslaves a person, various types of addiction can be identified:

An addiction becomes almost instinctual: a destructive urge that a person feels powerless to control. The typical ways addictions develop include:

• The repetition of harmful acts.- These form a bad habit that, when reinforced, becomes a full-blown vice and enslavement. By contrast, the repetition of good acts generates virtues and positive traits that facilitate doing good rather than evil. These are never called addictions, because addictions strictly require harmful consequences for the individual. We speak of addictions only where there is vice, and from vice one must break free.
• The repeated harboring of toxic feelings.- If one frequently entertains thoughts of hatred, that hatred takes root in the heart. The same happens with feelings of bitterness, pessimism, or misplaced emotional attachments.

Certain addictions and compulsions require professional medical treatment, and one should consult the appropriate physician or specialist. In addition, there are several effective means to overcome addictions:

• Mortification and self-denial.- Practicing restraint over one's ordinary desires strengthens self-control against enslaving impulses.
• Repetition of good deeds.- Cultivating positive habits and virtues builds up inner strength that directly counters the behavior one wishes to eliminate. (It is equally obvious that one must avoid wrongful actions so as not to reinforce the vice).
• Pursuing noble ideals.- When one possesses great, inspiring goals, the human heart naturally invests its attention and energy in achieving them, making it far easier to shake off enslaving tendencies. Serving others is an outstanding example of a noble ideal.
• The support of good people and of God.- Isolation is dangerous. Progress is much swifter when accompanied by the encouragement of trustworthy friends. (Likewise, one should avoid environments that trigger the vice). And naturally, heavenly assistance is of supreme efficacy (prayer, sacraments...)