AS waterstreet said. when you are unable to stop despite trying hard.
There is no dividing line with which everybody will agree.
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At what point does a bad habit become an addiction?
Hi Everyone;
Just out of curiousity, at what point does a bad habit become an addiction? I realize both are learned patterns of behavior which are repetitive over time. And, it is also reasonable to conclude that both can and do interfere with normal everyday functions and activities with family members and work relations. While these are "similiarities", these two must have some differences.
Any feedback or shared insights into this question will be interesting to review. I hope to hear back from someone regarding this thought provoking question.
Thank you
George
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Answers
A bad habit is something you often do without even thinking about it. Picking your nose, tapping your pencil on your desk, picking scabs, etc.
An addiction is something you MUST do, or you feel tense, fearful, anxious, etc. I HAVE to stop at this garage sale, or I'll miss a good deal. If I don't check my alarm 10 times, it won't go off in the morning, etc.
Bad habits are usually only annoying or gross, but addictions can be debilitating.
I would say that an addiction is an obsessive-compulsive behavior which, by its nature, makes it a bad habit. However, I think that one can have bad habits which are not obsessive or compulsive. I have a bad habit of correcting people's english, but I don't go around looking for people having conversations so I can correct them.
Hi Everyone;
I want to thank each person for participating in this question. Without a doubt, there were many enlightening and thought provoking points brought up regarding the similiarities and distinctions between bad habits and addictions. Using everyone's shared insights, I now have a sound understanding of the differences. From everything presented, I realize that bad habits may be annoying to people who have to be around individuals with them, they are rarely if ever debilitating or lethal. Wereas, addictions, especially to alcohol or drugs, can and does interfere with the victim's day to day functions with family and friends not to mention the serious health risk involved. At the point an individual becomes a victim of their reckless behavior certainly marks the beginning of them no longer being in control.
Many thanks again everyone for sharing your input.
Happy holidays to everyone and best wishes for the upcoming new year.
George
Thank you.
awking00,
"I think that one can have bad habits which are not obsessive or compulsive. I have a bad habit of correcting people's english, but I don't go around looking for people having conversations so I can correct them."
I think that was the best example of giving an example I can recall, and a good lol for me too.
(maybe because I'm often momentarily distracted in in-person conversations upon hearing poor use of the English language).
Giving good examples is an art and some people seem to do it quite easily (maybe it's the way their brains are organized or linked to the skill in being able to quickly recall a precedent or an exception to the rule, as my daughter can in arguing with me)
I wish there were a good book on how to do this.
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by: WaterStreetPosted on 2008-12-23 at 21:40:16ID: 23238641
When you are no longer in control of it. It is in control of you