WHAT IS AN ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE OR HABIT?
Anything that causes a temporary ‘high’ or feeling of well-being, followed by a ‘low’, will tend to be addictive. As the effect wears off, another dose or ‘fix’ is needed to regain the temporary high. A negative addictive substance or habit is one that weakens the body or mind. It stimulates, rather than nourishes. When the ‘high’ wears off, one feels even worse than before. One is attracted back to the substance or person to feel good once again. This is the basic principle of all addiction. Nourishment Vs. Stimulation. Something that causes well-being by nourishing the body is not usually considered addictive, although one could become devoted to it in a positive sense. The feeling of being nourished is usually different. Instead of a temporary high, there is a gentle, lasting effect from nourishing substances or habits. It is also possible that a drug, food substance, habit or a personal relationship is in part nourishing or nurturing, and in part addictive or co-dependent. For exam
