Socrates Johnson wrote:I was thinking of a definition that goes: "Something that one has a strong desire for and that cessation of causes pain and/or sadness.
The problem I have with this definition is it is taking a mostly classical definition of the word i.e. physiological dependence to something that causes withdrawal symptoms because of lack of it in the body (i.e. nicotine, heroin, benzos) and applying it to things that have no element of physiological addiction.
To show my point, going by this definition everyone is addicted to oxygen and water, as we all feel compelled to breath/drink and without such substances it will cause us great pain and eventually lead to death.
Socrates Johnson wrote:If porn can be an addiction I think kayaking can.......I think it's a superior sort of addiction.
I agree it could technically be an addiction (as can gambling, food, internet etc.). I have lost friends over MMORPG (World of Warcraft, Everquest etc.) addictions, as their entire social life died, and their physical health degraded from such a sedentary lifestyle.
However, I don't believe you personally have an 'addiction' to kayaking as it isn't very detrimental to your life/well being, that you continue to participate in regardless of such consequences. I was addicted to hard stimulants (cocaine/crack, methamphetamine, and Ecstasy) for a few years, and your bandying about the word of addiction makes it such a broad definition that it loses its meaning, as well as degrades the struggle of people with real addictions.
Admittedly, the definition of addiction is a very controversial subject that even the experts don't agree on, so I don't think we will come to a conclusion on its definition any time soon.
Socrates Johnson wrote:That's probably stretching a point.
I concur.