Addiction

So I have come to realize that no one can really get rid of addiction. We can't really banish it, so we merely transfer the addiction around. When we hear the word 'addiction' we automatically assume the worst; we think of drugs, porn, or something that negatively affects our lives. However, I have come to realize that addiction can be in all forms positive and negative. Addictions can range from needing drugs to get through the day or needing to confide to Jesus to pass by.

Personally, I don't find addictions that bad until they begin to deteriorate either your social, mental, or physical well being. I used to be addicted to video games... and in ways I allow myself to have relapses on the occasion. Yes, I would lock myself away to play hours of MMOs to achieve "character perfection". It took me years to realize that, while socially interacting with people across the world, I was really isolating myself. While I would be able to share common interests with many people, I would never be able to connect with these people in real life. They will always be an internet barrier away. And while there is always the possibility of getting on a plane and flying over to meet them, it is often thought as taboo (or at least weird) to do so.

After a period of time, I began to reflect on what I was accomplishing both in game and with these people I've met. In the end... this game does not positively affect the well being of my life and I had to stop wasting my life in it. What do I do with all the time I used to dedicate in this game? Of course, you find something else to put time into. Lately I've been putting my time into the pursuit of knowledge. It seems like anything I don't know has suddenly become an interest and I want to research it. Switching from a negative addiction to a positive one is always a good thing :)

So, what do you consider positive/negative addictions? What addictions do you have and would you want to change it?