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> The important question is that whether this relationship is disruptive, neutral or positive (like being addicted to training). Drinking isn't inherently bad, but the author thinks so. My impression is that there are equal number of studies on pro/contra moderate alcohol consumption.

Not sure if it's part of the 'official' definition of addiction and forgot what the source of it was, but I always liked the explanation that if there's no negative (emotional) feedback loop, it's not really an addiction, but just a habit.

Using alcohol as an example, any modern definition will differentiate between harmful drinking, high risk drinking, and alcohol dependence. Definitions of dependence will include statements like:

> Someone who is alcohol-dependent may persist in drinking, despite harmful consequences. They will also give alcohol a higher priority than other activities and obligations.

It's this element of continuing to do something even though it's causing harm that is one of the markers of addiction.

> That life would be very empty and boring.

Being addiction-free doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the occasional cup of coffee or alcoholic drink. As long as you're not addicted, some amount of short-term pleasure is perfectly fine.

That's how I see it, but the article suggests to go all the way, eg. full abstinence on alcohol. As zambal said in the sibling comment, the definition of addiction matters a lot here.

> Drinking isn't inherently bad, but the author thinks so.

I think the author just, somewhat, arbitrarily chose alcohol as the example for the all-or-nothing mindset for overcoming an addiction, and in that mindset "drinking is bad" is the thought in the addicts head using that approach, not the authors decree. Alcohol could be substituted for "internet" in the regulation example, in which you'd get moderate alcohol consumption. Though the tools available to pull that off with alcohol addiction might not be enough for some.

> That life would be very empty and boring.

Wrong! Once you are addiction-free, you are much more sensitive to stimuli, making life much more interesting. But the problem with addictions is that the addict can't possibly imagine that this is true. If you are addicted, find a forum on the internet and read stories of people who have recovered. They will tell you without exception that their lives are much more interesting now.

Isn't that lifestyle its own addiction?

Maybe we shoud distinguish and not conflate some things.

1. Addiction (self-reinforing habit with negative outcomes) 2. Addictive activity (self-reinforcing habit) 3. Engauging in an activity known to become addictive selectively. (Aka; adults drinking)

We use all 3 interchangably, when the dangers, and outcomes, are very different.

Yes, good point, I was assuming definition (1).

Are you married to a psychic as well? I would love some guidance from the Great One.