I have only one true addiction, and it is coffee. Most “addictions” seem to be advanced exercises in bullshit artistry, from my perspective. But, the one that

I have only one true addiction, and it is coffee. Most “addictions” seem to be advanced exercises in bullshit artistry, from my perspective. But, the one that really throws me is compulsive gambling. This is the line where I draw clear distinction between chemical dependence, and... something else. Compulsive gambling definitely isn’t bullshit. You can sense that it’s a very powerful, real habit that people lose control over. Most other non-substance oriented addictions I tend to ignore, and gambling is my bellwether for nonsense. Cigarettes, for example, are mostly nonsense. The nicotine in tobacco is such a mildly addicting component, that a deeper truth sits behind it: people who refuse to drop cigarettes are trying to dominate a negotiation, regarding personal choices. They want the freedom to make bad choices. Cigarettes are easy to quit. The chemical dependence is pathetically tame. The people that insist on retaining the habit are really engaging in social signaling. They learned this aspect of power and status as teenagers, and this alone puts cigarettes in a station of nostalgia classified as comparable to first cars, first kisses and favorite music artists. That’s why people don’t quit. Other substances are tougher, for sure, but chemical dependence is only part of the story. Controlling obsession is an entirely different skill. It’s nit just about willpower, but also about deepley held beliefs and self perception. It’s not a new concept. It predates modern psychology with tales like Samson and Delilah and deriving strength from a lack of haircuts, or Dumbo’s magic feather. Superstition isn’t just about magical thinking, and can take root in daily rituals and bahvior. That’s probably why people might seem to grow out of it sooner or later. At some point, life interrupts and breaks the spell, one way or another.