Japanese Twitter users discuss the fine line between having fun and being an addict

Turns out there’s a simple way you assess whether you’re a happy drunk or a dangerous one, at least according to one Japanese Twitter user.

Addiction comes in many forms, but many psychologists agree that compulsion is what drives people to engage in this kind of destructive behavior. This means that an addict’s mental state, rather than a lack of spirituality, motivation, or intelligence, is the root of addictive drinking or gambling, and often stress has a lot to do with it. At least, that’s according one particular user on Twitter, Wasabon Nekozou:

▼ “Contrary to what you may believe, alcohol and gambling (pachinko) addictions aren’t the result of having such a good time you can’t stop, but something people do to escape from stress. If you can still say you had a good time despite waking up with a hangover or losing to the machines, you can still consider these things a way of seeking pleasure, but once you can’t stop despite feeling regret over your actions, it turns into an addiction.”

アルコール依存症やパチンコ依存症みたいな病気は実は楽しくてやめられないんじゃなくて、ストレスから逃れる為に行っているだけなんだよね。逆に言うと、二日酔いになったりパチンコでスッても「楽しかった」と思えるなら娯楽の範囲で、何でこんな事を…って「後悔しながらもやめられない」なら依存症

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和三盆ねこぞう (@nekozou1027) August 25, 2016

While this might seem like common sense for some, this particular explanation of addiction seemed to resonate with a lot of netizens, and the tweet soon went viral. Nekozou followed up the original post by adding that a feeling of irritation instead of regret would also be a sign of addiction.

Drinking is considered a social lube that helps people come out of their shells and forge relationships with co-workers, friends, and so on, and especially in Japan, most get-togethers and events are likely to include large quantities of alcohol.

In fact, according to more than a few Japanese peple, refusing a drink while in the company of others drinking is considered a social faux pas. They say that there’s nothing wrong with drinking to let loose and make a good time even more enjoyable. But for people who can’t have fun without drinking, it might be a good idea for them to analyze exactly why it is they drink, and if they might be walking down the path of addiction.

But what do you think, readers? Is @nekozou1027 right or has the Twitter user missed something important?

Source: Twitter/nekozou1027 via Buzzmag
Feature/top image: Wikimedia Commons/sig

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