ADDICTION !
Some may say that a Habit is an addiction. Or maybe a Routine ?
Could an idiosyncrasy be considered an addiction ?
Just what determines how serious an addiction is ? Is it the frequency of occurrence ? Or possibly the severity of an ensued affliction ?
I wonder !
Look at some history. For thousands of years, Opium Dens were prevalent in the Orient. I would assume they originated in China and spread into other Asian countries.
Then, there were seafarers, sailors, tars, old salts - who got “hooked” on the practice. In turn, they spread it to other countries all over the world.
Oh - how about TATS ? Tattoos on scribed on human skin with various designs and colors of inks ! Would it be accurate to say that many thousands of people today are Addicted to this practice ?
So - from Opium pipes or Hookas, to shooting up Heroin, to sniffing Crack, to WEED … Pot - Mary Jane - Marijuana … are they all not forms of addiction ?
Some more serious than others, but nevertheless a Need ! Whether created to ease Pain, or for relaxation, or euphoria, or enjoyment - a Habit that one believes in the mind Must be Fulfilled !
That then brings us to Drugs ! Prescriptions Rx’s - like Oxycodone ! How many thousands of lives have been lost in the recent past because of addiction and Overdoses ?
This brings us full circle to the reason for this post. Just What Addiction has now spread Worldwide to Millions and Millions and Millions of “Users” ?
THE NEEDED USE OF THE CELL PHONE !!!
Whether it is an Android or an iPhone - each individual’s Choice -
WE ARE ALL ADDICTED !
Can’t leave home without it !
Texting, Messages, Emails, Games, social media like: Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, Twitter, and eventually, even actual telephone Conversations !
Right now, my right thumb is punching in letters to add to this post, while my iPhone 7 is plugged by wire into its charger, so the battery will not fail !
When I leave my home and enter my trusty Steed “Silver” - a 2014 Honda Civic ( best car I ever owned - has 172,000 miles on it ) -
After putting the key in the ignition
what is the Absolute Second Step ? Plug that phone into its Charging Cable for assured Battery Usage !!!
YES VIRGINIA - I AM ADDICTED !
No matter where we are - shopping in a store, relaxing at a restaurant, having an ale at a local Pub, shooting 🎱 in a tourney, playing Texas Hold ‘Em at the V. F. W. ——> or even sitting on the Throne in a John - someone nearby is overheard Talking !
D U H ???
Family gatherings, cookouts, dinners, parties, weddings, dances, even Funerals - EVERYBODY HAS THEIR PHONE IN HAND !!!
We are READY TO COMMUNICATE !
But now, sadly - rarely are we actually Talking to One Another !
Bored Teens are texting each other and giggling at the stupidity of grown-up Adults !
Some peeps are watching Videos with their Volumes Too Loud ! Others are playing games.
I get my old Arse beat frequently in Chess by my loving Son. Words With Friends 2 - I have about 8-10 games waiting in the wings. Euchre - X-word puzzles - Blocks - Wordel - Cribbage - Solitaire. Gin Rummy - WSOP Poker - Podcasts - the APPS available are Voluminous !!!
In conclusion, I sadly feel that we have lost the Art of Listening !
This Loss tends to make us actually Bad Communicators because we are thinking - What will I Say next ? What will I Do next ?
That Other Loved One, or Family Member, or Dear Friend just Might have a Problem that we could Help with …
BUT WE ARE NOT LISTENING !
ADDICTION ?
You Bet your Bippy !
💙♥️💚
I would call something an addiction if it is repetitive and if the results in some detriment to your life like compulsive behavior or even codependent relationships where someone is continually abused. And, of course, all of the stimulants and downers out there that trap us in their grip. The last time I looked, the drug that kills the most is still alcohol, not driving while texting.
You may not believe this, but I do not have a cell phone because I cannot hold it in my hand or use a touchscreen. Believe me though, I would've been one of the first to see the value of a cell phone for work and personal use.
I like the value of the new technologies that enable me to watch two or more sporting events at the same time. Or if a program is slow, two of them at the same time. And most nights, I settle in playing games while watching TV programs with frequent commercials. Especially various solitaires from the World of Solitaire, just like my grandmother used to do in the evening with cards that she wore out. Whenever she was in the presence of others, they generally would play cards and chat. So far, the images of the various solitaire games have not eroded my computer screen yet from overuse.
The only detrimental thing from all of this addiction like my evening meal glass of wine is a sore shoulder and sometimes, stiff neck, from clicking the mouse too many times.
Ron