Dealing with Harmful Addictions
Every individual needs some kind of addiction in his life and this fact is acknowledged by our sages and seers.
We cannot find a single person who exists without an addiction. So, if you are addicted to something, do not worry, it is absolutely normal!
Our mind derives great pleasure from what we are addicted to. The object of addiction captivates our interest deeply and we wish to keep re-visiting it. This makes it very important to examine the nature of our addiction.
There are addictions that support or life-force and well-being. Some examples are – playing a sport; reading and studying a subject of interest; and hobbies like dancing, singing, playing an instrument, etc. We know great saints stay absorbed in contemplation on the Supreme and are said to be intoxicated with “bhakti” – the highest and most refined form of addiction.
Then, there are addictions which are obviously harmful for our health and life, in general. Some examples are – smoking, drinking, drugs, addiction to pornography and mobile phones. Such addictions drain us of our vitality, contribute to physical illnesses, mental stress, emotional instability, loss of finances, and create strain in our personal relationships. The struggle with such addictions is very common.
Since we all need some addiction or the other, the only way to let go of harmful addictions, is to replace them with those addictions that would not harm us or be good for us. This can be a gradual and three-pronged process, as illustrated through the example below.
If you are used to smoking 10 cigarettes in a day, you cannot suddenly stop smoking entirely. So, what should you do?
(i) Bring down the number of cigarettes to 5 or 6 a day.
(ii) Start another activity that would replace the need for addiction served by cigarettes now. For example, start exercising every evening at a time you smoke a greater number of cigarettes, usually.
(iii) Also, observe the other activities that are linked to your smoking habit and start avoiding/replacing them as well. Instead of stepping out for a coffee/tea (which may be associated with smoking for you), go and have a fresh juice. Alternatively, have a coffee/tea in an environment where smoking is not allowed.
Through this three-pronged approach, on one hand you are reducing the bad habit, and on the other hand you have introduced a good activity that soon shall become the one replacing the harmful smoking addiction and you are breaking associations linked with smoking. As the helpful habits get stronger, the harmful one loses its grip on you.
Almost the same approach can be used for any other addiction that you wish to end. Remember, you are strong and with the use of will-power and wisdom, you can change your unhealthy habits. You need not be enslaved by your addictions, instead choose good addictions for yourself.
Amongst all these healthy and good habits, there is one very powerful indulgence that gives us benefits at multiple levels. This is exploring dharma and cultivating love for one’s country.
Learning about our ancient Hindu wisdom through books, blogs, discourses, and rituals; chanting the name of our favourite God (ishta), reading about great kingdoms of ancient India, and participating in activities where we can contribute to society or help others, is something absorbing and empowering at once. The mind relishes such engrossing engagement. On being drawn to inner-growth and wanting to do something great for ourselves and our country, unhelpful addictions naturally drop off.
So why not start?
Try the three-pronged approach and pick up something small to learn/practice every week – related to Hindu dharma and Bharat. Be patient and persistent and success shall be yours.
Suggestion – Chant your favourite God’s name for 1o minutes each, the first thing on waking up and just before sleeping. Do this to express gratitude for all that you have including a functional mind and body. Example: Shiv-Shiv, Krishna-Krishna, Durga-Durga, Ram-Ram or Shivaye Namah, Krishnaye Namah, Durgaye Namah, and so on. Just chant softly and over time, you will see a very substantial shift in your life.
