Writing Can Be Addictive

Addiction is a long-term health issue. It involves a strong urge to use a substance or act in a way that causes harm. This can lead to physical, mental, or social problems. It shows a weak ability to control impulses and a changed reward system in the brain.

I am not suggesting that it is the same as taking an illicit drug or drinking two bottles of wine every night. Writing can be addictive. It often causes compulsive behaviour. This means you feel a strong, unstoppable urge to keep going.

Sometimes, I really feel that way because I have obsessive-compulsive behaviour.

I have always written articles, scientific papers, and song lyrics. Even when I was working full-time, this provided relaxation. Many song lyrics or articles were written on those long-haul flights between Australia and, well, pretty much everywhere in the world. (Let’s face it, Australia is a long way from everywhere!)

Now that I am pretty much retired, writing has at times replaced full-time work as my purpose for existing. The upside is that I have things to aim for when I get up each day. The downside is that I can feel compelled to produce each day.

In the past week or two, I’ve been trying to turn writing back into an enjoyable experience instead of just a task.

I got to the stage where if I hadn’t produced a story or a poem each day, I had failed myself. It also meant I set aside other interests I was meant to do in retirement because I felt I had to write.

I live a quiet life and like to be by myself most of the time. Writing was becoming the primary purpose of the day. The things that you are supposed to do when you retire are not happening.

I am not giving up. I am trying to put it into perspective. If I don't feel like writing one day, or if I have other things to do, I remind myself it's okay. It is not a job.

I do it not for the money; if I did, I would be broke. I do it because I enjoy the challenge and the comments I get on my stories. If I am fortunate enough to get a top story, and I have had several, it's like winning a gold medal.

I also need to moderate the amount of time I spend in front of a computer. My eyesight has declined over the last year, and it wasn't good to start with. Spending less time looking at the screen can only be a good thing in the long run.

I hope this new attitude will help me write better stories and poems. Only time will tell whether that is the case. I hope to find balance and manage my compulsion. I want to enjoy it for what it is again.

If you’ve dealt with addiction, you know that the first step to change is recognizing your behavior.

Till next time,

Calvin