Addictions

Why are you assuming that there are really 2 different things? I understand where you’re coming from in the assumption, but perhaps, according to the Torah, there aren’t really 2 different categories and, really, there is only ta’ava. It’s just a matter of degree.

The scientific definition to the word addiction is the repetition of a behavior despite adverse consequences. if you could, as in, its possible for you tostop your behavior for a few days then its nothing more than lacking self control. but if it is unthinkable for you to be able to stop your behavior- find yourself a licensed therapist.

my mother is a therapist who specializes in addiction therapy mainly substance abuse but can help someone that suffers from any addiction. if you really feel you need help or just want a phone consult to see if you truly have an addiction or a dependance, then contact her. she has a website roadwaytorecovery.com (mods this person is asking for real help/advice so please let this through as she is an expert in this area)

If you can’t stop when you want to.

(One is too many and a thousand is never enough)

the-art – Actually there is no single scientific definition of addiction. Excessive use despite the consequences is one criterion used to determine if a substance or behaviour is addictive but there are others, including craving the substance or behaviour in its absence, whether tolerance levels increase over time (i.e. increasingly greater amounts of the substance/behaviour are needed to get the same level of ‘high’ as previously experienced) and whether physical withdrawal symptoms are displayed after sudden, prolonged cessation of the performance of the activity (this is different to craving which is purely an extreme, overwhelming desire to re-experience the ‘high’; withdrawal symptoms are physical, including nausea, excessive sweating, cramps, loss of concentration etc.).

lakewood001 – Addictions are always physical. Some things which are often described as addictive (such as the internet, video games etc.) are not physical and, as such, are not classed as addictions by the DSM. Behaviours which are addictive include overeating, gambling etc. and do have actual neurobiological facets.

JustARegularJew – Interesting point. There is much discussion in the world of addiction research as to whether or not this is the case. The evidence is inconclusive but the DSM does currently go with this distinction between addictive behaviours and addictive substances.

As an overweight/obese young man, I acknowledge a powerlessness over food, and as such, have recently recommitted myself to the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous. 12 step groups are very helpful, and are very much compatible with the spirituality of the Mussar tradition.

Make sure to have a few people for emotional / moral support. Ultimately, overcoming any addiction, or urge, comes down to having the willpower to resist it. All any sort of therapy, etc, does its make the intensity of the urge less or helps you to develop willpower. As Chazal put it, ain lecha davar haomed lefnei haratzon. (That is not to minimize in any way the severity and degree of difficulty and suffering of experiencing such an addiction/urge.) Emotional / moral support is a big, big booster for this.

Popa

Aing davar omeid is a Gemara. I don’t have the source but it’s a well know Gemara obviously it doesn’t mean Hashem can’t stop you but if the thing you want to do is good He won’t stop you and if it’s bad He won’t stop you in most cases because there is bechira which Hashem doesn’t like to mess around with.

I was thinking that what was Hitler yemach shemos power? His power was an otherworldly intense ratzon to wipe us out. I think he would have immediately been stopped if there was a counterbalance of love by someone anyone for Jews. He was so consumed with his hatred. I think if we could have found a Jew or non Jew so consumed with ahavas Yisroel he would have had no power. I’m not chas veshalom minimizing the ahava that the Jews had for each other at that time however it is much harder to love than to hate. One has to work very hard to feel a strong love for a stranger even though he is Jewish.

I’m just saying an idea I thought of. I can’t prove it but I think it has truth to it.

Popa

Aing davar omeid is a Gemara. I don’t have the source but it’s a well know Gemara

It is not a gemara, it is a well known made up narishkeit. It was invented by bad parents and teachers to explain why they were unable to motivate kids properly.

And it is apikorsus too. Since sometimes you will want to do something good and Hashem will not let you for whatever reason He has. Like Moshe entering eretz yisroel.

i may aswell ask how once cen get rid of an addiction?

It’s not as simple as getting rid. You need an enormous amount of willpower, and for proper addictions, the help of a trained professional that specializes in treating addictions.

bump

-when there are really bad consequences yet one STILL continues in that same addictive behavior.

-there is no right or wrong, for an addict it is simply an intolerance to that substance or behavior. In other word, no bechirah

– the addiction will always be there, even in recovery and healing, yet after time the craving slowly wanes and weakens. But never completely disappears

That was very interesting WIY. Thanks for posting. But the Alter writes it as something understood and accepted, without offering a source. So I’m left wondering. I know it can’t be a narishkeit, as Popa said, if the Alter writes it so clearly; but is there actually an earlier source for these words?