(The full transcript of this episode can be found by hitting the ‘Transcript’ tab at the top of this post (but please note it’s AI-generated so accuracy will vary).
Welcome to Episode 9 of The Tortoise, the podcast (plodcast!) that digs deep into the possibilities of slow.
You can listen to the podcast right here, or if you’d prefer, subscribe via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite pod-dealing platform.
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The Topic: Addiction
Ben lobbed this one at me right at the end of last month’s episode, and I’ve been interested to hear his take on it ever since.
Because, like most people, he and I definitely grapple with what I’d call obsessive behaviours, particularly with things like tech use, but I don’t think I would have categorised it as addiction.
In this episode, we talk more about what addiction is (“a consistent urge to repeat certain behaviours or use specific substances regardless of the harms they cause”) and what behaviours Ben had in mind when he raised the topic.
Generally speaking, there’s at least some cultural awareness of physical addictions — drugs, alcohol, tobacco — but far less importance seems to given to what’s known as behavioural addictions. That’s addiction to things like work, exercise, sex, porn, gambling.
We talk about how the two different categories of addiction are closely linked — with Ben making the point that today’s fast-paced, always on, productivity at all costs, instant gratification mentality drives us towards more addictive behaviours — and why, for him, it’s impossible to separate out addiction to tech, work, busyness and productivity.
We also talk about:
our own compulsions and how we try to keep them in check
the role that a little bit of “constructive anger” can play in changing behaviour
the links between capitalism and addiction
how we derive our value as human beings from our ability to be addicted to work and productivity
why so many people (women, in particular and mothers in even more particular) are angry about the social experiment of endless tech
the seasonal links to some of our obsessions
why addiction can fuel further addictions as we try to find ways of ‘relaxing’
The Links
Below is a list of links discussed in today’s episode. If I’ve forgotten any, please let me know in the comments:
National Alcohol and Drug Hotline (Australia)
Addiction assistance (UK)
Raising Hell, Living Well by Jessica Elefante (You can read an excerpt from Jess’ book here)
The Way Home: Tales from a life without technology by Mark Boyle
Why success won’t make you happy by Arthur C. Brooks — The Atlantic
Addictive personality traits — Mayo Clinic
Subscribe to the podcast in your favourite app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc)
That’s it for this month’s episode. If this conversation has shaken anything loose in you, please know the comments and my email is always open.
Until next week, take good care.
Brooke xx
Addiction: Episode 9