Affection –noun
1. fond attachment, devotion, or love: the affection of a parent for an only child.
Addiction –noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
How well do you think these two fit together? I think it is definitely possible to be enslaved to a fond attachment whose cessation causes trauma. In fact, I wouldn't be posting it if I didn't see that as a possibility (and in my own life no less).
It's no coincidence that quitting an addictive product/activity carries many similarities to ending a relationship. Is it best to go "cold turkey"? Is it possible not to? "Ya, now I'm down to one line of coke a week..." (JOKE! NOT REALLY!)
Maybe the difference lies in whether the source of the addiction, or more specifically the object of the addiction is a person or a thing. It does tend to complicate things.
Then again, an addiction to affection isn't necessarily about a particular person, but rather a particular attention or connection and that may be human nature - the need to seek out others with whom we feel a kinship or connection.
Addiction is a term that has plenty of implications. I guess I'm just trying to explore the language and the concept.
1 comment:
Dysfunctional relationships are definitely a form of addiction; they share many of the same features. And cold turkey is the only effective form of treatment, but there are cessation aids and 12-step programs that can help.
M
Post a Comment