What’s your addiction?
At the age of 22 I have worked long and hard enough and deserve to secure an early retirement.
To achieve this I will need quite a bit of money, or so I’m told.
So, this past weekend I thought I’d try my luck at hitting the millions – for the millionth time (I have unknowingly won about R1 000 at a casino before, but was oblivious to the value of the chips and proceeded to play everything back).
I arrived at the casino, chose my lucky seat and played a few pennies on the slots.
Before I’d warmed my seat my R100 was spent.
I tend to gamble a bit more money, but I thought I would need a few more pennies for my friendly parking attendant (not the most positive mindset).
Besides, I’ve been told that when it’s your time, it’s your time.
While I saw my last few cents being chewed up by the machine, I noticed how full the casino was.
I am quite sure no one was playing to lose, but wondered how many people were gambling due to an addiction.
I didn’t think it wise to ask anyone, so the question remained – as it always has.
I cannot say my life has been ruled by an addiction; except perhaps for chicken – my favourite animal – to eat.
Maybe I’m just one of the lucky few, but addiction can become a dangerous demon that’s tough to shrug off, even with the help of professionals.
Whether you are addicted to gambling, alcohol, drugs, or chocolate, it’s all based on the same principle – a compulsive urge to do it again.
Some research listed on www.brainz.org reveals the top 10 addictions from which people suffer.
Listed at number one is alcohol, followed by smoking, drugs, gambling, food, video games, Internet, sex, shopping, food and work.
I cannot see work being addictive, unless you are employed as a tobacco quality controller, but the others seem more than plausible.
The word “addiction” tends to have a negative connotation, although not all addictions are bad and life-threatening.
Whether you have an addiction or not, the chance is always there to develop one.
If you think you might become addicted to something detrimental, stay away from it – seek professional help if you need to.
I will gamble less and consume far more birds.
