[Z-man]

I disagree with the premise of that article. There is a huge difference between enjoying a hobby and getting engrossed in it, vs. an uncontrollable desire that leads to addictive behavior. He presents no scientific evidence to back his point - merely references to vague studies and pop-culture (TV, video games, the internet).

Addictions are real. Go to any AA, GA, OA, SA, fill-in-the-blank-Anonymous meeting and you will see people who are struggling with their addictions. If there were no such thing as an addiction, these meetings would fold. As would the illegal drug market, and prostitution, and bars would probably make less of a profit if folks couldn't be addicted to booze. Never mind all those therapists who help people who desire to overcome their addictions -- they'd be out of business as well! (But that's a circular argument...)

There has been scientific evidence which supports addictions. Some type of hormone (endorphin related) is released in the brain of an addict when they act out.

There is also a psychological aspect of addiction which the author of the article fails to mention. Many people turn to addiction to cope with their precieved reality. The person whose mom was an alchonolic and whose father skipped town when he was 5 will have some deep psychological issues. Sometimes the best way they feel to deal with this harsh reality is to escape to a world where no issues exsist. So while that person is high, or drunk, or gambling...etc., he need not think about his horrid past.

The addict is someone who has a problem and can't stop pursuing the object of his desire even if his life depended on him stopping.

And yes, IMHO, people are now addicted to that stupid text messaging stuff. When I hear folks sending over 1,000 texts a week (or a day?) I find that to be something that is beyond that person's control. Put the blackberry or phone down -- go outside and do something worthwhile for a change...

Just my $0.42,
-Z-man.