Addiction. Harmless? – Parshat Behar-Bechukotai

I have never heard of a story of an addict who one day woke up and said: "I want to become addicted to something. Hmmm…let's see what suits me best." There is usually a period of experimentation and often the addictive behavior has some benefit to it. The slide, however, from experimentation to addiction is a slippery one and often a person becomes addicted to a behavior/substance without realizing until it's too late.

This week's parsha, Parshat Behar-Bechukotai, discusses a similar concept. When a person is having financial difficulties, there are often attractive looking deals to borrow money. When the need is great, and the deal helps 'fix' the present stressful time, a person will take the deal – assuming he will be able to "handle" the interest rate to which he agreed. The Torah, forbids charging interest on a personal loan.1  Rashi, in discussing the Hebrew term used to describe usury, explains that this particular term, "Neshech" (lit. bite), reflects a certain reality that borrowing or lending with interest is "like a snake's bite. The snake makes a tiny hole in the leg which is barely felt, yet it quickly creates a danger. So, too, does interest seem harmless until it balloons and creates a great monetary loss."2

Similarly, this is the path that addictions take as well – seemingly harmless, even recreational. Yet with the potential of causing great harm.

There are many kinds of addictions – drugs, alcohol, sex, food, gambling, internet and the list goes on and on. They all seem harmless and "under control" at first. Some of your friends are involved as well. That almost makes it seem ok.

Addiction, though, is one of the three areas identified by noted psychiatrist Dr. Viktor Frankl as being the three areas of the 'Neurotic Triad' - addiction, aggression and depression. People in despair or experiencing existential vacuum tend to choose one of these directions in which to channel their despair. In addiction, they use these maladaptive behaviors repeatedly to compensate for their feeling of angst until there is loss of control.3

It is preventable. It is also treatable. Regaining a sense of purpose in life can help and has helped thousands return to a non-addictive lifestyle while also learning how to deal with despair and frustration in a healthier manner.4

Control over one's life is and what happens to you is not always feasible or possible. However, control over how we react is feasible and possible. No matter the situation, there is always a realm of free choice that we have – even if only to choose what attitude we take towards that which befalls us.

It is our choice.

 Click here to read another logoParsha article on Parshat Behar-Bechukotai

 

Notes

  1. Vayikra 25:36-7
  2. Shemot 22:24
  3. Frankl, Unheard Cry for Meaning pp. 25-8
  4. A short list of articles appearing in the International Forum of Logotherapy which show the effectiveness of treatment of addictions through logotherapy - Abrami (2001); Berti, & Schneider-Berti (1994); Boschemeyer (1982); Giovinco, & McDougald (1994); Haines (1986); Harris-Pergam (1989); Henrion (1987, 2002); Hooper, et al. (1996); Hutchinson (2002); Hutzell (1984); Hutzell, et al. (1991); Kass (1996, 1996b); Khatami (1987); Kimble, & Ellor (1989); Lazar (1984); Lantz (1984, 1998), Lantz, & Lantz (1994, 2001); Leslie (1982); Lynn (1981); Maniacek (1982); Olive (1990); Rogina (2002); Simms (1979); Starck (1981).

          This list appears in Prism of Meaning, Maria Marshall, Ph.D., 2011

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