Addiction: The Bane of Sensitivity

Addiction: The Bane of Sensitivity November 7, 2008

Posted by Geoffrey Wilson in : Meditations,Psychology,Wisdom Notes , trackback

After an early morning Tai Chi session in Centennial Park the other day, my friend and I discussed the subject of addiction – to sex, drugs, fine food, wine, distraction and many other things. It has long been my view that if the nature of addiction can be understood completely, then it is unnecessary to establish and promote rehabilitation as a means to an end.

What do I mean by the complete understanding of addiction?

It’s relatively simple to grasp. Addiction is attachment – to someone or something. Strengthen the attachment and the more resistance there will be to giving it up. Attachment then becomes dependency. If I observe how I depend on you for my happiness, my safety, to give my life meaning, I absolve myself of taking any responsibility for what is actually going on in my life.

When I see this clearly, it becomes apparent that I am shackled. Restriction of this kind is in essence the seed of unhappiness because if I remain dependent, I will never develop the sensitivity to respond to life’s challenges with a fresh approach. Without vitality of this kind, it is impossible to let go of negative attitudes and behaviours.

So the way forward is to contemplate taking a fresh approach that is not burdened by limiting sensitivity. Addictions erode sensitivity. They are killers not so much in disguise as they are insidiously venomous creepers.