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Author Topic:   Addiction By Definition
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 188 of 331 (811889)
06-13-2017 8:37 AM
Reply to: Message 52 by ringo
12-30-2015 3:24 PM


Re: Rational Recovery Philosophy Examined
2015 Ringo writes:
My point is that I can understand what appeals to me and I can also understand that it isn't good for me - I can hold both understandings in my mind at once, even though they're contradictory. The question is, how do I change my behaviour to coincide with one understanding and not the other?
It is always your choice. Mindfulness involves honesty. I ask myself first of all if any of my habits and compulsions are in fact addictions. The next step is to choose whether or not to resist them. It's just that simple---yet it is not ever easy. Just as a salmon swims upstream to create life, mindfulness is a conscious effort against an ingrained thought pattern that is negatively reinforced through the addictive behavior.
As to how to choose: Be honest with yourself, weighing the short term pleasures with the long term consequences. Ask yourself whether changing the brain patterns...through sobriety---are worth the pain.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

This message is a reply to:
 Message 52 by ringo, posted 12-30-2015 3:24 PM ringo has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 189 of 331 (811892)
06-13-2017 8:44 AM
Reply to: Message 185 by New Cat's Eye
06-12-2017 9:31 AM


Re: Day 328. Staring In The Mirror
NCE writes:
I done got myself "addicted"* to going to the gym. But I've lost a third of my body weight and now I have a six-pack I can run about two miles and I just bought myself a new bicycle ...
I was once addicted to exercise. I rode my bike an average of 25 miles a day for two years, in my early thirties. Looking back, I see clearly that I was addicted to exercise to the point where I felt bad...depressed, anxious, and guilty...if I missed even a day.
Obviously, the exercise itself was quite good for me. The anxiety and obsession may not have been ideal, however. Keyword: Balance. If I would have kept the habit going and yet addressed my obsession over having to spend each waking moment thinking about my progress, I would have achieved a mindful state of awareness and acceptance...a balance if you will. ( I still might buy a new bicycle...I need to exercise more and hang out on my computer less)

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

This message is a reply to:
 Message 185 by New Cat's Eye, posted 06-12-2017 9:31 AM New Cat's Eye has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 190 by New Cat's Eye, posted 06-13-2017 10:40 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 198 of 331 (812383)
06-16-2017 9:50 AM
Reply to: Message 197 by New Cat's Eye
06-14-2017 3:28 PM


Day 334 Reflections On Addictions Past
Speaking of addictions, there was a time in my life that I was addicted to marijuana.
I have no regrets as to the addictions and habits of my past, but now that pot is legal in my state, I find that many people are drawn towards this high that probably never were enticed before.
Im not sure if pot addiction changes the brain dramatically or not, but I recall that it was impossible for me to quit for the longest time.
Of course, I may have subconsciously not wanted to quit...which is, in essence, step one.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

This message is a reply to:
 Message 197 by New Cat's Eye, posted 06-14-2017 3:28 PM New Cat's Eye has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(8)
Message 199 of 331 (813724)
06-30-2017 8:15 AM
Reply to: Message 11 by ringo
12-13-2014 10:41 AM


The Science and Theory of Addiction (Day 348)
ringo writes:
Your definition does call addiction a "disease". If it doesn't cause any dis-ease - i.e. ill effects such as pain or death, then who cares if somebody chooses to call it a "bad" habit?
Again...an addiction is an addiction because we have lost control of whether or not we indulge in it...be it good or bad.
Today is Day 348 of my sobriety from compulsive gambling. Allow me to share a story from just last week. I was driving home from the doctor when a clear urge to buy a $50.00 scratch ticket arose in my mind. Rather than ignoring the feeling, as I have learned to do in the past year, I contemplated it. Before long I justified it because I reasoned that since I was fixated on it it surely must be a sign from God...or a confirmation of my desire. (First mistake)
I actually allowed myself to pull in to the convenience store and retrace the addictive steps i used to always do. I literally---at that moment---wanted to buy that ticket and I was furthermore convinced that it was no ordinary impulse. (Second Mistake)
Upon approaching the counter, I was informed that $50.00 tickets were sold out. Suddenly I was faced with a decision to buy other denominations. I refused, turned, and walked out of the store....something I would never have been able to do 348 days ago.
In conclusion, I realize that I need to always be diligent and not allow my mind and excuses to sabotage my success. I would never have guessed that an urge would arise in me this late in the game.....nor that I would actually lie to myself in order to justify the desire.
One Day At A Time, friends. I am thankful today to remain sober.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

This message is a reply to:
 Message 11 by ringo, posted 12-13-2014 10:41 AM ringo has seen this message but not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 200 by New Cat's Eye, posted 07-03-2017 12:51 PM Phat has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 201 of 331 (814658)
07-11-2017 2:49 PM


Slogging Towards A Year (Day 359)
I'm almost at the one year mark. In one respect, I feel proud that I overcame a lifelong addictive habit. In another respect, I feel disappointed. All of the science told me that I would change and grow. It seems, however, that I have become more aware only of how much more needs to be done. I never signed up for this gig! Where is the damn blessing?
*sighs*
Maybe I'll just give it more time! I have another goal this second year. When I get my courage up to suffer some more, I'll fix my diet for good...eliminating high blood sugars. One would think it easy to eat right...but for me, this often proves elusive. Stay tuned...

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

Replies to this message:
 Message 202 by RAZD, posted 07-13-2017 6:23 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 203 by jar, posted 07-13-2017 6:41 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied
 Message 204 by New Cat's Eye, posted 07-14-2017 10:51 AM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(6)
Message 205 of 331 (815048)
07-14-2017 11:47 PM


Day 362 Chip Night
So I stopped by the Celebrate Recovery Group meeting and shared some encouragement with the group members (who also shared with me)...I am somewhat of a celebrity in that I have nearly a year under my belt...and I received my 1 year chip symbolically tonight!

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

Replies to this message:
 Message 206 by NoNukes, posted 07-15-2017 8:39 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 208 by Tanypteryx, posted 07-17-2017 9:32 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(2)
Message 207 of 331 (815226)
07-17-2017 4:19 PM
Reply to: Message 204 by New Cat's Eye
07-14-2017 10:51 AM


Day 365! Now for Day # 1
New Cates Eye writes:
I got rid of the "bad" food in my house and replaced it with only "good" food.
Then I changed my daily routine to include only eating good food.
It sucked for a little bit, but once it became routine it was pretty easy to maintain.
Join me over at my new topic and we will start my next self-improvement effort. Today is Day #1! Health 4 Life~The Science Behind Consumption

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
"as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler

This message is a reply to:
 Message 204 by New Cat's Eye, posted 07-14-2017 10:51 AM New Cat's Eye has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 209 of 331 (821860)
10-13-2017 5:38 PM


Relapse Blues
I dreaded writing this post, for I have (had) accomplished so much this past year and nearly everyone was cheering me on and congratulating my accomplishment.
It has, in fact, taken me two months to even be able to talk about what has happened since my one year mark. It was not what I consciously planned or envisioned. I failed. Not just a little, but BIG! In retrospect, I believe that I relapsed due to an unfulfilled sense of entitlement. I honestly felt strongly that I deserved a reward for that year of hard work.
So I allowed myself to gamble again. The plan, of course, was not to keep doing it. I had honestly convinced myself that God or fate or destiny or something was going to reward me for my efforts. To me, the year of sobriety did not feel as good as I thought it would...until now, where I mourn its loss. Now I am worse than ever. I am frustrated yet defiant. I don't really have the will as of today to attempt another year. Let alone a few days. I am failing, I can't seem to get a grip on sanity, and I am desperately praying for some fantasy or blessing or magic to erase these tortured feelings and to bring me back to sanity. Anyone reading...please don't offer advice. I got myself into this mess and somehow must find a way out.
One lesson I have learned is how easily the brain resumes its old patterns. I am humbled by how much I did accomplish and wonder why I can't seem to do it anymore.
I likely won't post anymore until and unless I climb out of this quicksand and get at least 30 days in again. To be honest, at this point I don't even feel like fighting.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

Replies to this message:
 Message 210 by jar, posted 10-13-2017 5:44 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied
 Message 211 by RAZD, posted 10-14-2017 8:07 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied
 Message 212 by NoNukes, posted 10-14-2017 9:31 AM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(3)
Message 213 of 331 (821927)
10-15-2017 1:47 PM
Reply to: Message 212 by NoNukes
10-14-2017 9:31 AM


Re: Relapse Blues
I'll bet we all understand how you feel, and I'll bet that more than one of has been there. You don't have to cut us off.
I just meant in this particular thread. There is nothing to say here. There is lots to talk about elsewhere. I have found a Psychiatrist that will consult with me next week, to see if there are any options that may help my OCD. I will report more here only after I have reversed the destructive cycle.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 212 by NoNukes, posted 10-14-2017 9:31 AM NoNukes has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(1)
Message 214 of 331 (829987)
03-19-2018 5:02 PM


Day 91 and also Day 4
A lot has happened since August of 2017.
I had a major relapse after one year of sobriety from compulsive gambling. It took me 4 months of hell before I climbed back onto the horse, bruised and bleeding.
Now, again resolved, strong, and sober, I begin to attack my other major addiction---to sugar, carbs, and unhealthy eating. Today is Day 4 and my body is beginning to retool itself for fat burning mode. Stay tuned as I chronicle this topic in scientific detail as well as anecdotal observation.
The main part of any battle is mental. If you believe in the science, in God, and in yourself, you cannot help but win any fight.
Add by edit: I weighed in at 242.3 lb. My goal is to be a healthy 220...in no particular timeframe...the goal is progress, mindfulness, and patience.
Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

Replies to this message:
 Message 215 by Tangle, posted 03-19-2018 5:12 PM Phat has replied
 Message 216 by RAZD, posted 03-20-2018 11:04 AM Phat has replied
 Message 219 by Stile, posted 03-20-2018 11:43 AM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 217 of 331 (830033)
03-20-2018 11:06 AM
Reply to: Message 215 by Tangle
03-19-2018 5:12 PM


Re: Day 91 and also Day 4
Tangle writes:
It seems to me that you're making eating just another one of your obsessions.
And yet there is a definite thing called Carbohydrate Addiction. Besides, I am admittedly obsessive over quantification, measurement, and journaling. I simply use EvC as a public journal because I feel that my many years of study on some of these subjects are of interest to the public-at-large. You, of course, may dismiss it as you do religion, but then again you may not have issues with weight, diabetes or diet. Thank God for you!
For those of you with science minds, I challenge you to find any snake oil in the supplements that I have chosen to reboot my body. Lets start with this one. Go ahead, look it up. You will find nothing negative, and you will find that some very intelligent and educated scientists are on board as supporting its effectiveness.
Also discussed by Dr.Garth Nicolson

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 215 by Tangle, posted 03-19-2018 5:12 PM Tangle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 218 by Tangle, posted 03-20-2018 11:29 AM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(1)
Message 220 of 331 (830040)
03-20-2018 11:47 AM
Reply to: Message 218 by Tangle
03-20-2018 11:29 AM


Re: Day 91 and also Day 4
Supplements are only necessary if you have a deficiency in something. You don't seem to be a wealthy man Phat, why are you wasting money on this nonsense?
It's only $45.00 for a 3 month supply. I'll chalk it up to my entertainment budget. Don't tell me that you don't have any spending habits that could be scrutinized!
I also am curious to see if I notice any difference. I realize that there is such a thing as a placebo effect, but I read enough about studies that were done on this stuff to become curious as to its validity. If it gets me off of the couch and into the health club, (where I already have a 2-year membership) I will consider it money well spent. I received it in the mail yesterday and began taking the recommended dose (1/4 teaspoon per day). If it does me no good, I will be honest enough to swallow my pride and report such.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 218 by Tangle, posted 03-20-2018 11:29 AM Tangle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 222 by Tangle, posted 03-20-2018 7:36 PM Phat has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


(1)
Message 221 of 331 (830060)
03-20-2018 3:23 PM
Reply to: Message 216 by RAZD
03-20-2018 11:04 AM


Re: Day 91 and also Day 4
RAZD writes:
Focus on health is a good way to divert that energy to your benefit, so hope to see more on that. Are you still riding bike? Probably a little early in the year, but see if there is a local club to ride with. I have a couple choices here, one that is gentle with good fellowship and one that is more competitive. I'm not up for the competitive, and doubt I can reach that level, but enjoy the company of the other.
We have also joined the local Y as they have yoga and spin and swimming and with my senior discount, it is $10 per month. Even just getting in the water for a couple easy laps can relax and invigorate.
Good job, RAZD! Your challenge is even greater than mine, but I believe that the mental aspect and the socialization cannot do anything but help you. We need to remind ourselves to take it slow yet to always move forward. There will be days when I will simply want to sleep, but if I continue being diligent of what I eat, I am doing the best that I can...which is enough. Reality offers us no guarantees, but our approach is literally the best approach to take in battling our chronic diseases and in regaining peak health. You may have seen that I am studying the Lipid Replacement Therapy---If it works and I feel that it is useful, I will send you more information.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 216 by RAZD, posted 03-20-2018 11:04 AM RAZD has seen this message but not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 223 of 331 (830089)
03-21-2018 3:24 AM
Reply to: Message 222 by Tangle
03-20-2018 7:36 PM


Re: Day 91 and also Day 4
it's need that we're talking about. You appear to need things - God's, gambling, diets, miracle cures. It's a personality disorder of a relatively minor sort that you won't solve with a miracle cure like a diet or a supplement. Don't waste your time and money.
Some people need money and yet cannot spend it....I suppose an attractive rabbit trail would be where we discuss why some folks are frugal. This too can be construed as a personality disorder....though minor.
Add by Edit: I suppose that I should clarify. What is it that I really need? Security, Health, Peace Of Mind. You have a good argument that I seek these things through dubious measures.
I am simply arguing that you put far too much value in your money. It may get wiped out some day. Then what would you do?
Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 222 by Tangle, posted 03-20-2018 7:36 PM Tangle has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 224 of 331 (830568)
04-03-2018 10:22 AM
Reply to: Message 222 by Tangle
03-20-2018 7:36 PM


Day 106 gambling, Day 3 Rational Eating.
Tangle writes:
You appear to need things - God's, gambling, diets, miracle cures. It's a personality disorder of a relatively minor sort that you won't solve with a miracle cure like a diet or a supplement.
Except that in this case, Type II Diabetics lack balance. They don't need insulin---they need balance.
Tangle writes:
But you have a better chance of being right if you go with mainstream medicine that has multiple pieces of research to support it.
Not in this case. Mainstream medicine is slowing coming around to accepting the lower carb approach as being better overall for Type II Diabetes in most cases. The additional prescribed insulin is, in fact, a mistake.
Tangle writes:
If you didn't believe in luck you wouldn't gamble - you'd know the game was rigged.
Both of us incorrectly believe in chance. My problem is that I occasionally yearn for fantasy over reality. Once the addiction again takes hold biochemically in the brain it becomes very hard to change---especially when I think that I deserve something. Awareness of reality does not always prevent one from choosing fantasy...or chance as it were.
Carbohydrates can be and are an addiction in our society. Food manufacturers know this. In a perfect world, Tangle would never spend money foolishly and would have faith that he would always have his money. In a perfect world, Phat would never gamble, would always eat a balanced diet and would quit needing things. We do not live in a perfect world, however. Addictions are in fact a reality.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
Paul was probably SO soaked in prayer nobody else has ever equaled him.~Faith

This message is a reply to:
 Message 222 by Tangle, posted 03-20-2018 7:36 PM Tangle has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 225 by Phat, posted 04-05-2018 8:05 PM Phat has not replied

  
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