The characteristics of substance addiction include spending a great deal of time using a substance, using it more often than one intends, thinking about reducing use, and making repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce use.  Addiction's also characterized by giving up important family, social, or work related activities in order to use a substance.  Addicts often report withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance.

Recent studies of television watching habits indicate that these criteria also apply to people who watch a lot of TV.

Studies indicate that people who try to cut back on heavy TV viewing often experience withdrawal symptoms. In one study families were recruited to stop viewing for up to a month. Many could not complete the period of abstinence and some began to fight.

Scientists have now monitored alpha brain wave activity and heart rates of people watching television. They found there was significantly less mental stimulation during viewing than reading. Also, the sense of relaxation induced while watching TV came to an end when the set was turned off. But feelings of pacificity and lower alertness continued. Many reported having less energy after watching TV. On the other hand playing sports or engaging in hobbies increased feelings of energy and alertness.

So next time you congratulate yourself on avoiding addiction, check how long you can manage without the TV.

MOVING BEYOND MATTER
With Deborah Piggott

If you have ever found yourself admitting that you are, in fact, addicted to a substance or behaviour, that acknowledgment becomes the first step in rehabilitation.  And it likely begins a process that  lasts a lifetime.  The struggle is not only with the substance, but involves admitting to ourselves there is something more powerful than our own will because we like to think that we can be in control at all times.

Science has made strides in identifying addictions and their sometimes hidden consequences, but research still hasn't revealed why some people become addicted to a certain substance and others don't.  Most addictions are prompted by a painful experience which a substance like alcohol or a drug can cover up.  Our true feelings are masked and we are able to carry on with life without exposing the addiction - or the pain.  But as time goes on, our body becomes more tolerant and able to absorb greater quantities of a substance that is, in fact, poisoning us.

Addiction is often marked by conflict between our minds and our emotions - what we know and what we want.  Jesus spoke to the people who gathered around Him about their inner thoughts.  He knows how susceptible we are to falling when our thoughts are divided or we are pulled in two directions.  It is our heart that determines our desires, whether good or bad.  Our will then sets the course to satisfy those desires.

So what hope is there when you have tried everything to conquer an addiction that grips you?  The only hope lies in depending on Someone more powerful than you.  Allowing Him to change your desires.  Surrendering your reliance on a substance or behaviour to Jesus Christ who promises to fill your heart and mind with His Spirit.  That is when we have the inner strength to resist those things that have taken control and we begin to experience a new life.  That is when our hearts and minds will be so focused on that which is healthy that we lose our motivation to seek satisfaction elsewhere.