OLD THREAD: Addictions and General Discussion

 Well, this week is a bit of a somber topic.  That of additions.

People have addictions to a vast array of different things.  Some fairly harmless for the most part, like a favorite food, or for positive vibes, or silly games like claw machines (as long as large sums of money aren't being dropped on them), and even things like coffee and nicotine (which can be life threatening, but usually over a long period of time). 

Some addictions are more varying in scope and nature, and could be minor or major depending on the level one allows it to take over your lifestyle, such as sex, eating, gambling, shopping, porn, hoarding, and even gaming and social media. 

Other substances can be more debilitating and not only affect a person's quality of life to a terrible degeee, but also sometimes ultimately end by paying the ultimate price, that of their own lives.  These normally consist of alcohol and drug abuse, but can also apply to things such as a dangerous level of thrill seeking as well. 

We probably all know of somebody who has struggled with addictions, and some of us may have even struggled with one or more in our own lives.  I, for instance, had a pretty heavy drinking problem in my 20s.  Not to the point of withdrawals or shakes or needing it in the mornings like some people, but the whole "nightly escapades" were a pretty regular routine for about 10 years of my life.

I was able to gain some clarity and move away from that constant lifestyle and moderate it to a more occasional and more "socially acceptable" amount (even though I play it off on here as a "gimmick" of sorts) but some people are not as lucky and allow it to ruin their lives, their families, and even cause them to become homeless and/or live in despair.

What are some things you've experienced, whether observed or personally deal with?  Have you ever had to give (or receive) an intervention?  Is there anything you learned that could be valuable to others?  Discuss this, and anything else, in this here thread.