Читать книгу A Mind of Your Own - Betty Shine - Страница 10

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Addiction

In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy.

IVAN ILLICH

1926–

WHENEVER ADDICTION IS MENTIONED, it is immediately assumed that the problem is drugs. Most of the time it is not. Nearly everyone, at some time in their lives, becomes addicted to something. It can be alcohol, tobacco, television, sports – one only has to think about football to realise how the power of addiction can take over your life. Chocaholics too certainly know all about addiction! Sugar is addictive in all its forms, and parents – with the best of intentions – start their children off on this road by giving them sweets for good behaviour or simply to keep them quiet. I have known people who have become addicted to vinegar, to the inhalation of substances like furniture polish, shoe polish, air fresheners and petrol. In fact you can become addicted to just about anything. This is the real danger. Most of the time you will be unaware that it is happening to you.

Obviously, there are real dangers in any kind of addiction. To overcome the ordinary everyday addictions, try using the following exercise twice a day.

Visualisation: You walk into a small peaceful room, where you see a comfortable armchair; sitting in the chair, you become aware of a warm, comfortable glow as shafts of sunlight steal through the blinds.

You have an overwhelming longing for your addiction. No matter what you do, this longing will not go away. You must now say three words: ‘Please help me.’ You will immediately feel light and relaxed because you have, at last, realised that you have a problem. This is your first step to recovery.

For the first time you notice a table in front of you. On it is the cause of your addiction. Next to it is a small box, in the centre of which is a button. This is your life-line – when you feel desperate, you can press this button and it will switch off the addictive urge. You now have a choice. It doesn’t matter which choice you make the first time. But if you make the wrong choice every time, then you need professional help.

It is amazing how the power of the mind can, eventually, help you to make the right choice. It will show you clearly how strong or weak you are, and then the guilt factor will take over. NEVER GIVE UP. YOU CAN DO IT.

Affirmation: Addiction is an affliction.