this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2025
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As a general rule when it starts interfering with your "higher priorities", ususally career/family/friends. Calling off work using personal leave for a video game you waited 3 years for is ok. Using the last of your sick leave to get another day of gaming isn't. Missing events with people you want to have a good relationship with isn't.
This is a good rule of thumb for most addictions afaik.
People can smoke cigarettes without interfering with higher priorities. I don't feel it applies to 'most addictions'. It applies to a lot of them, but the opposite can be true sometimes too. I've known alcoholics who would have to call off work if they STOPPED drinking for a day, who would not be able to visit with family/friends unless they had a drink or three first.
It's a good rule, I agree with that, but not necessarily for most addictions, especially the more entrenched one has become in the habit.
Yeah, that is called withdrawal syndrome, when there are symptoms if the person stops using a substance. I think that's a problem caused by an addiction that interferes with a higher priority.
By the way, this is no joke and can lead to death depending on the severity.
For tobacco, I don't think withdrawal syndrome can kill, but it can last for 6 months according to a psychiatrist I know.
And about the criteria for addiction, in my country it is: