Life seems to have a way of being unpredictable, steering us onto different paths, throwing us a different challenge every day. It would be rather naïve to assume that life is a simple walk in the park. Sometimes, life takes an abrupt and unexpected turn, altering our sense of reality. If we stroll briefly down memory lane, just four years ago, the world was introduced to one of the most significant predicaments of our time, a predicament so immense that it reshaped humanity as we knew it. No one could have fathomed what was to come. COVID-19 brought forth unprecedented challenges, resulting in a dramatic loss of life and disrupting public health, food systems, and the world of work. Nearly half of the global workforce faces the threat of livelihood loss, leaving tens of millions at risk of extreme poverty. Furthermore, the number of undernourished individuals may have increased by a staggering 132 million. According to estimates from Nuffield Trust – a UK-based health think tank, it has been found that approximately one in six adults have experienced what is commonly referred to as a "common mental disorder," such as depression or anxiety, during the months of the quarantine. Similarly, it has been observed that one in six children between the ages of 6 and 16 have also experienced a "common mental disorder" in the year 2021. Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that in the year 2020, intentional self-harm emerged as the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-34. The pandemic exposed the fragility of the food system, disrupting supply chains and jeopardising food security. Even after enduring four arduous years, we find ourselves still grappling with the consequences of a collection of harmful proteins that have left lasting impacts on our society.

Viruses come and go, but we must not forget to address another beast that perennially haunts and terrorises our world. While historians may debate the precise specifics, by most accounts, virtually no era in recorded history has been untouched by the spectre of war. Moreover, much of recorded history has been marred by imperial or colonial dominations, where powerful nations wielded force to subjugate others. War inflicts a profound toll and far-reaching effects, etching lasting scars on societies and individuals alike. Its impact extends beyond immediate casualties and loss of lives, fracturing communities, disrupting economies, and triggering mass displacements, resulting in a mass refugee crisis. The enduring psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress echo through generations, leaving deeply embedded scars. Explosives crumble infrastructures to dust, hindering development and, with it, disintegrating the delicate fabric of trust that all humans indispensably rely on. An entire generation of fear-stricken children are deprived of opportunities, and the education system falters, which impacts the future of the whole country. War perpetuates cycles of violence, sowing seeds for future conflicts. An ominous fear broods over humankind, as just a select few in power possess the capability to unleash nuclear weapons, potentially causing the extinction of humanity.

Zooming in from the global stage to our own beloved Sri Lanka, a nation with a rich but tumultuous history, we confront a series of challenges, including as of late, with each one seemingly more severe than the last. Amidst the stunning beauty gracing this paradisiacal island, the constant grapple against the forces of modernisation, economic shifts, and societal transformations persists. While these societal hurdles are widely acknowledged, and efforts are constantly being made to overcome them, there is another problem that often remains hidden in the shadows of towns and cities: the pervasive issue of addiction.  At first glance, this problem may not be so apparent, but it is an escalating hazard posing a significant threat to the citizens of Sri Lanka. The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board's data (NDDCB) for the first ten months of 2022 reveals a staggering 67,900 arrests for substance abuse in Sri Lanka. Heroin and Cannabis account for 52.6% and 36.9% of these arrests, respectively. The total amount of heroin seized island-wide was over one metric tonne, and the quantity of cannabis seized island-wide was no less. In addition, 102 kg of Methamphetamine was seized. Substance abuse, particularly among the youth demographic, is a growing socio-medical concern. The majority, 54.4%, seeking treatment fall within the 20-29 age range, emphasising a disturbing trend. According to the report, there were several arrests of children under 14, which makes us question our hope for posterity. Shockingly, these figures only represent those apprehended; the actual number of those battling addiction could be significantly higher. The report reveals that people with excellent education levels, marriage status, and jobs can still be just as vulnerable. But as our younger generation becomes more susceptible to these harmful substances, the insidious grip of addiction tightens, leaving shattered lives and communities in its wake, beckoning urgent attention to this national crisis. 

Commonly, our perception of addiction revolves around substance abuse with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. However, the truth is its tendrils creep far beyond these familiar boundaries, weaving themselves into various parts of our lives. While some may believe themselves immune, the exponential increase in dependence on digital distractions like phones, games, and social media speaks a different story. Addiction doesn't discriminate; it transcends the limitations of physical substances. It can lurk in grand arenas like gambling and shopping, with financial repercussions, or conceal itself in behaviours like sex or viewing explicit content, and even seemingly harmless activities like compulsive chocolate eating, sleep, cleaning, or even exercise. These diverse behaviours can develop into full-blown addictions in different forms and levels. Engaging with people from various backgrounds reveals parallels between drug addiction and seemingly innocent habits like mindless social media scrolling. While society readily condemns traditional substance abuse, it often turns a blind eye to the deceptive grip of digital addictions or even glamorises some, like exercise, as a virtue. A person might turn to alcohol to suppress problems, mirroring those who use exercise for the same purpose. I am not for a moment suggesting that exercise and the consumption of alcohol are equal vices. Obviously, that would not be true, as one has a multitude of benefits and the other hardly any. However, if either is done to ameliorate mental vexations, then it would be as good as a chocolate teapot!

Addiction is a major global problem, a pandemic gripping every unsuspecting victim in its invisible fist as it sweeps across the world. While headlines scream at us about substance abuse, its reach extends far beyond, silently damaging more lives than wars and even COVID-19 throughout human history. This slow-burning war claims countless casualties, yet its more minor battles often go unnoticed. Substance abuse has emerged as a significant concern worldwide, prompting numerous world leaders to unite in search of a solution to this tragic predicament. In the United States alone, the overdose rate has reached an all-time high. While the general public widely acknowledges drug addiction, the subtler forms of addiction are often overlooked. While drugs may not impact everyone, these "less lethal" addictions silently infiltrate our lives, unbeknown to us. Craving for food or the compulsive lure of a phone screen, often dismissed as harmless habits, are just as real. We frown upon the smoker, yet scrolling mindlessly for hours is deemed acceptable. One is considered normal and, therefore, accepted, while the other, considered abnormal, is not afforded the same level of social acceptance and is consequently stigmatised. By employing this logical reasoning, it becomes apparent that it is deemed acceptable and normal when more individuals engage in a particular activity. An example would be Class-A narcotics like cocaine and heroin, which now, in the eyes of some experts, sit comfortably beside alcohol, a millennia-old companion. The recent shift in attitudes towards cannabis legalisation underscores the malleability of societal norms. Cannabis, once demonised, finds acceptance in a growing number of nations. Does this mean that Cannabis is good or bad? Or will people just learn to accept it? Where will this stop? Will other drugs become legal in the same way? The point is not to demonise every habit but to acknowledge the insidious nature of all addictions. Every compulsive craving, every crutch we lean on too heavily, deserves to be questioned. Allow me to remind the readers this is not an attack on individuals or cultures; I harbour no ill will towards any country or anyone, regardless of their addiction status. Rather, my intention is to enlighten our readers about the reality of a problem that is growing to monstrous proportions. We all have our vulnerabilities, our silent dependencies. Recognising them, understanding their hold, and knowing they can be reduced and removed is the first step towards reclaiming our long-awaited freedom.

What is addiction?

It is an intense, compelling urge to engage in or use a particular substance or activity, whether rooted in physical or psychological needs. This dependence persists even when the said substance or activity proves harmful, rendering one incapable of leading a normal life without it. Overindulgence in substances like drugs or alcohol, as well as the compulsive swipe of a phone screen, the thrill of an ever-growing shopping cart, the relentless pursuit of work achievements, and the adrenaline rush from games can morph into a silent stranglehold, interfering with daily routines and chipping away at well-being. In simpler terms, these are persistent habits that the mind cannot easily break free from or live without. 

‘Am I addicted?’

Many individuals find themselves ensnared by the clutches of poverty, a silent struggle that often remains veiled in denial, as embarrassing financial struggles are generally kept concealed from others. They may continuously convince themself that a magical solution will miraculously improve their financial situation, maintaining a vague façade about the actual state of affairs. Some may lack control over financial matters, which manifests in risky behaviours like gambling or overindulgence in the stock market, driven by the hope of amassing wealth. This obsession permeates their thoughts, dominating their mental space with constant considerations about acquiring, spending, and managing money, which takes a toll on their sleep and mental well-being. The consequences extend to a preoccupation with future work or financial prospects, overshadowing immediate responsibilities and personal relationships with family and friends. For those tethered to a self-image intricately tied to their economic status, every action becomes a means to obtain or multiply wealth, perpetuating a cycle of obsession and behaviour dictated by the elusive pursuit of wealth based on the misconception that wealth is the source of happiness.

Indulgence in irresistible temptations like chocolates, sugary delights, and fatty foods is a universal experience. Even after a satisfying, nutritious meal, persistent cravings for specific foods, such as desserts, may linger. This cycle intensifies as individuals start consuming these craved foods, often surpassing their intended intake and eating to the point of feeling excessively stuffed. The emotional toll becomes apparent through feelings of guilt after indulging in particular foods, yet this guilt often fails to stop repeated consumption. In fact, it becomes a catalyst as one leans towards consuming even more of these foods as a mood booster to overcome the mood drain that guilt brings. It is pretty obvious then, is it not, how this becomes a vicious cycle as the guilt trap sets in. Excuses may be made to justify responding to food cravings, feeding a cycle of unhealthy eating habits. Despite repeated attempts to quit or establish rules for consumption, such as cheat meals or specific days, individuals find themselves unsuccessful in breaking free from these patterns. Consider instances like passing a particular store, where a must-buy item beckons to you, or resisting the alluring smell of fast food or the tak-tak-tak siren call of a Kottu place. A more subtle example is the magnetic pull of your fridge; do you find yourself compelled to open it each time you pass, even if there's nothing special inside? Beyond the health implications, look at the environmental impact, such as the electricity wasted by frequent fridge openings—statistics suggest an average of 15-20 times a day per person, amounting to 120kwh annually. Is this a healthy habit that you can stop intentionally?

Mornings without your comforting cup of tea or coffee feel like hell. Is that steaming cup genuinely essential for your well-being? After a taxing day at work, do you automatically reach for your phone, immersing yourself in news, videos, or endless scrolling, despite knowing other tasks await your attention? Does the time you allocate to watching 'just one more video' on social media often extend into the late hours of the night? Consider the staggering amount of time spent in front of screens daily. Recent data indicates that the average person devotes 6 hours and 58 minutes each day to screens connected to the internet. 

When you really think about it, almost all humans are addicted to something. Everything around us can be addictive, some more addictive than others. Do you not believe that it is our responsibility to find a way to come out of our addiction? Though we may not witness a universal reduction in drug addiction during our lifetimes, reshaping our perceptions and understanding can empower us to escape personal addictions. Understanding that addiction can be eradicated entirely, regardless of its nature or duration, is crucial and essential for removal. Despite the physical sensations or urges, the essence of addiction entirely lies in the mind. By delving into the root causes and mechanics of addiction and the mind, we gain the ability to mitigate their impact. In future articles in this series, we will explore this multifaceted topic, drawing on techniques validated through extensive practice at the Jethavanarama Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka, as it has helped over 500 individuals overcome their addictions. Rooted in the science of the mind, as prescribed by the enlightening teachings of the Supreme Buddha, the monastery has embarked on establishing a rehabilitation centre, a haven for those eager to overcome addiction. Many people all over the world fight day and night for the freedom of choice; the freedom to choose what they can and cannot do, where they can and cannot go, who they can and cannot be with and so on. Ironically, in the midst of all this, they forget that the greatest choice of all is the choice of freedom. What is more important to you? The freedom of choice or the choice of freedom? I invite all of you to come, join us and make the choice of freedom - free yourself from all addictions.