Opportunities Today : May  2005 Issue

Mind Over Matter

 

Addiction - its Causes and Cure!

Addiction is a deep - rooted habit. It is difficult to treat, but it's possible. Addiction is the result of extra involvement of mind in matters of:

1. Taste - as in case of food
2. Emotion - as in case of infatuation or love
3. Art or aesthetics (music or painting)
4. Lastly divine devotion or spiritual pursuit 

The addicts get sense of both pain and pleasure in their pursuit which keeps them involved with a sense of enjoyment or ecstasy!. Thus addicts create a world of their own and are immersed in it. To bring them to reality or change them one has to be cautious and careful for any sudden disconnecting of them from their involvement or interest will lead to retaliation or rebellion. Instead a straight communication or dialogue will be of greater help. For totally withdrawing an addict from his world, a streak of reality should be introduced through communication and by introducing gradually surreal activities or interests, thus helping an addict on his way to de-addiction without inviting resistance.

Good soothing music is an easy way to calm the mind to neutral level and open to communication. Reassuring but unintrusive language will win confidence and bring closeness. Increasing frequency and duration of communication will get greater acceptance to introduce activities or interests for replacing addiction in slow and subtle way. 

Tips for quitting smoking
Smoking is common habit nothing short of addiction. To quit it, one needs one's own consent or willingness. Next the readiness for slow and steady exit to make it without any pinch or side effects. The elements to be tackled are firstly frequency or the number of times one smokes. Secondly the duration of each smoking stick. Start by throwing the cigarette when last 1/8th is left. After couple of times throw when 1/6th is left, next when 1/4th or less is left, finally come to a level when you keep it between lips without lightening it and just throw it. Thus you will finally reach a level, where you have a packet of cigarettes in your pocket but you've not taken out a cigarette. Then a packet too is kept no more. Remember one must exercise will and determination to continue this REDUCTION process. You may forget to throw the fag at the expected point. Never mind, take care during the next smoking session. Start following the procedure and you'll see it works for you and you will be a “smoking - free” human being.