More times than not, this podcast is lighthearted…even a bit silly. Every so often, though, we tackle a more serious subject. This is one of those weeks.
This week, we’re talking about addiction.
We begin by talking about the first time we became aware that addiction was a thing. Not necessarily that it was good or bad — just that it existed. From there, we move on the the first addict we ever knew.
We then discuss if either of us have ever faced an addiction — and if so, have we overcome them?
When people hear the word “addict,” their minds usually go to someone using very hard drugs. We ask this: is “hard drug” addiction really any different than more common addictions, like alcohol, cigarettes, or caffeine? Can someone use a hard drug recreationally? What makes some people addicts, while others can use for a while and then move on?
We often talk about media on the podcast; this week we ask how addiction is portrayed in the media: better, worse, or the same as real life? After that, we wonder if there is such a thing as a functional addict.
Non-substance addiction also hooks some people (things like shopping, television, gambling, etc.). Are those things as damaging as substance abuse? Next, we talk about the commonality among addicts.
We wrap it up with a short, but serious question: is there an answer to addiction?
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts about this episode in the comments below!
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Every addict I’ve known (1 psychotropic addict, 2 cigarette addicts / alcoholics, 2 marijuana addicts, 2 meth addicts, and 1 gambling addict / sex addict) have have their addictions nearly ruin their lives. I’m so glad I have no interest in anything other than moderate caffeine and alcohol.
When you’re an addict, your addiction becomes your life. If you’re lucky enough to get clean, it doesn’t really go away; the volume just gets turned down a bit.
That being said; I personally wouldn’t trade it.
Yeah, for me it’s the caffeine that comes with a couple mugs of tea a day, and a couple days most weeks where I’ll have 2-3 beers or a couple Martinis. Then I’ll go weeks without.
I stopped drinking coffee last March because I traced it back to making my stomach feel crappy. Not the caffeine, but stuff in coffee itself. I don’t like the way I feel when I have too much of anything (caffeine/alcohol), but I liked the taste and ritual of coffee.
It sometimes saddens me how people don’t even try to put themselves in the position of others and have a little more compassion for those with addictions. It’s not something I’ve ever liked being around, but the people I know who have had addictions have all been smart and kind and just pulled toward this thing that doesn’t pull others in the same way. Hell, I know some people who go to church and it’s this important thing in their lives, but not something that they go on and on about. Others, it’s their everything–going to church 4-7 days a week and all they talk about.
Even the things I love doing and talking about…it’s not all I do and talk about. Others, though…they are always on. I know other podcasters who seem addicted to their numbers and being seen as THE authority on whatever it is they talk about. Even with Shawn feeling the pull of addiction, we just do our thing and are content not trying to make it THE thing. It’s fascinating what hooks some people…