Addiction as a Spectrum and Workaholism

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Addiction is viewed as a spectrum with various addictive behaviors, such as workaholism, being common. Quitting one addiction, like alcohol, can lead to an increase in another, such as workaholism, as individuals may use work to distract themselves from underlying emotional issues. By identifying and addressing these emotions, individuals can find liberation. Work and social media addiction were discussed as distractions from underlying issues, with work providing a sense of superiority and social media addiction being driven by moral superiority. Quitting these addictive behaviors can help individuals gain insight into their distractions and underlying issues, leading to self-discovery and personal growth.

I’ve often wondered if self-discipline is just a way of turning bad addictions into healthy ones. After all, addictions of all kinds are really just an attempt to numb and distract ourselves from facing uncomfortable feelings. Can’t the same be said for healthy behaviors once they reach a level of compulsion?

I brought Rich Roll on the pod to discuss this idea because, well, he’s a recovered alcoholic who turned into an ultra-endurance athlete in his 40s. Rich is no stranger to reinventing himself, repeatedly leveraging his flaws into virtues.

We talk about the value of pain as a catalyst for change, the idea that addiction is a spectrum that doesn’t just involve substances, terrible breakups, finding a deeper spirituality, lessons from Rich’s financial struggles, his career running a top podcast, and much, much more.

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