I guess I've been too lighthearted when I've said in the past that I may be "addicted" to reading. Turns out that there "arguably" is such a thing as a reading addiction.
When does reading become an addiction? Well, "reading is an addiction when it is used as a mechanism to avoid reality. A person can avoid facing life by reading all day. A person can also avoid facing themselves by reading all day. This is the only time that reading really becomes a problem." Great! My dream of actually being able to read all day means I'm deranged, mentally ill!!
But,then, maybe that response is just a phase of my addiction. You know, denial. Isn't there something about admitting you have a problem before you can deal with the problem?
Damn! There is. The web site actually says that convincing yourself that heavy reading is not unhealthy is denial. (Emphasis from web site.)
So, maybe I'm being too flippant about this. I better see if there's any truth to this possibility of an addiction. Unfortunately, suggestions on coping with a reading addiction may confirm the worst.
"Have you tried unsuccessfully to cut back on your reading?" Maybe — I only cut back on my reading if real life demands it.
"Are you preoccupied with thoughts of the book when you are away from it?" Maybe — it depends on how good it is.
"Does reading help you escape from your problems?" Duh. After all, to quote a song, "You can't run away forever/But there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start." (Oh no!!! Should I worry about a music addiction too??? I better read up on that.)
Article comments