Philosophy Discussion Forums

This is a discussion forum topic related to the book, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All.


All humans are on the addiction spectrum, some much more than others.

All addicts are slaves.

Toxic enabling and codependency are often falsely called love by comfort addicts. Such comfort addicts would say they sacrifice their happiness for the beloved, but, as my book teaches, true love is not sacrificing your own happiness, but rather being happy to sacrifice. It's comfortable to falsely blame one's unhappiness on alleged love and one's would-be beloved, but such things are the nature of addiction and codependency, not love and beloveds.

Those who aren't happy self-medicate with comfort, which is the basis of comfort addiction, which is a futile way to seek true happiness. It's to foolishly and futilely chase happiness without instead of within, and thereby make a false idol of comfort and externals such as money or fame or material wealth. Enablers find it more comfortable to enable an addict than say no, and as such are no less an enslaved addict than the other partner in their codependent dance. Sometimes the other partner isn't even a different human in space but just older and younger versions of the human in the mirror. Even a lone human on a desert island can be a self-abusive addict in a toxic pseudo-loving codependent cyclical relationship with themselves over time, with cycles of rage and enabling.

If you have to, then you're a slave, and, in that case, I say don't ever thank (or blame) the slave, only the master.

Whether you label it as good or bad, or have transcended such duality, remember, whatever an addict (a.k.a. slave) does is not actually something they do. They are just a lonely prisoner living deep down in the dark pits of that body.






Post Topics: #Forgiveness #Love #Codependency #Addiction #Temptation #TheHumanCondition #InItTogether



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In addition to having authored his book, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All, Eckhart Aurelius Hughes (a.k.a. Scott) runs a mentoring program, with a free option, that guarantees success. Success is guaranteed for anyone who follows the program, both for the free option and the paid option.

Do you have some advice on how to deal with addiction or how to help someone deal with addiction?

I could not agree with you more. We live in an age of addiction, to be thinner, wealthier, healthier, happier, and on and on. And the cycle of ups and downs . . . of doing better, is relentless. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul when he wrote, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing . . . What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:19, 24-25)

I have found in my life and in the life of my family and friends that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that you can tame the flesh. The spirit within us may be willing but cannot overcome addiction (sin) by itself. Some of us are more prone to addiction due to genetics, trauma, etc. However, we all deserve patience, grace, and love.

You are very correct. We all have things that ee are addicted to in this life. Adductiob is a drug that keeps users hooked.

Everyone has something they might struggle with, like an addiction. But instead of judging, it's important to be kind and understanding. Everyone faces their own problems and it's better to be supportive. By showing love and patience, we can help others get through tough times. It's all about being there for one another and not jumping to conclusions just because someone is dealing with something difficult. Everyone deserves kindness and support.

I agree with you on this. Consciously or unconsciously we all are addicted to something. All humans are on the "addiction spectrum just that some of us can handle it better. But regardless those who are more affected deserve our love to get free from their master.

Addiction is a strong word, because I think yes, a person who is addicted turns into a slave. So yes, I agree with you. Everyone is an addict in the spectrum. We just have to show kindness and not judge so when they are ready they can be supported.

I stumbled upon this post at the perfect time, just after completing a review of a book that explores the complexities of alcohol and substance abuse.

The statement, 'All humans are slaves. All humans are on the addiction spectrum, some much more than others. Love them' deeply resonated with me.

I must admit that I haven't always been as understanding as I should have been towards those struggling with addiction. I had failed to realize that many are pushed into addiction by external circumstances, not by their choice. And once they dip their toes into it, they become trapped, helpless, and unable to break free.

To echo your words, they are lonely prisoners confined deep within the dark pits of their bodies.

It's highly likely that had they been in different circumstances, they might not have found themselves in their predicament. Often, we are unaware of what led them down this path and the complexities of their journey into addiction.

Regardless of its form, addiction is a multifaceted issue with underlying factors that are not always apparent. And the least we can do is approach those affected with kindness, patience, and empathy.

To be an addict is to become a slave to the particular thing one is doing. I was once a porn addict, I was once bound in the chain of watching porn. I couldn't anything else aside porn. It was the most difficult moment of my life.

This suggests that addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a manifestation of underlying issues that need understanding and compassion so it is advisable to spread love and support to addicts as they seek recovery.

I see it as a profound truth that all humans, myself included, fall somewhere on the addiction spectrum. It's a reminder that we all grapple with our own forms of enslavement. The notion that toxic enabling might be mistaken for love strikes a chord, challenging the traditional narrative of sacrifice in relationships. The idea that comfort addicts may unknowingly chase happiness externally resonates with me; it's a reminder to seek fulfillment from within. The perspective on being a slave, even to oneself, prompts introspection about the nature of true happiness and the choices we make.

Yes, you are very correct. We humans are addicted to something. The bad things are to be avoided as they can lead to self destruction.

I agree with you Scott. Especially when you said true love is not to sacrifice our happiness but it is being happy for sacrificing. Everyone struggles with one addiction or the other. But my question is how does one, who is gradually being destroyed because of addiction, work on himself and free from such personal destructive addiction?

I really agree with your points and find them thought-provoking.

Describing addiction as a form of slavery powerfully illustrates how it can control and take away our freedom, prompting us to think about what true freedom really means. The idea that addiction can persist even when we're alone is eye-opening, showing that it's not just about our relationships with others but also how we treat ourselves.

Thank you for your insights on addiction and its broader impact. Your point about everyone being on an addiction spectrum is very relatable; it reminds us that addiction isn't just a few people's issue, but something we all might encounter in different ways.

Recognizing that everyone falls on an addiction spectrum cultivates empathy. Supporting those deeply affected with compassion fosters healing and a more understanding society.