Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I'm afraid I must disagree. An enjoyment becomes an addiction when it's taken to extremes - no matter what that activity might be. Reading, playing video games, watching TV - all are harmless in moderation. They become problematic when engaged in at times that the person should be doing other things, whether it be school, work, looking after the children, or whatever. A person whose life is out of control in that way probably does need help.
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In the cases like this woman, you are probably right. Yet there is a definite value statement when we say that someone is addicted to something. For example: a person watching TV or playing video games for 4 hours a night will probably be labelled as addicted. A person who reads for pleasure for 4 hours a night would probably be labelled as an introvert, at worse. If someone spends their holidays watching TV or playing video games, it is a problem. If they spend their holidays reading books on a beach, it is called relaxing.
Or take a look at work-lives. Some people let work take over their lives, even when there is no financial need to do so. If they are single and without children, it is virtually never discussed as an addiction even if it is having a negative impact upon their life (e.g. socialization). It is only discussed as an addiction when it interferes with their family.
There is always a value judgement when we are talking about addictions.