DEALING WITH WRETCHED HABITS AND ADDICTIONS

There are vicious behavioural conducts in our societies that happen as a result of bad habits and wrong addictions. And it has immensely endangered the lives of many youths and this has to be identified and tackled headlong
First of all, we should understand that Habit is a subconscious program installed in the subconscious mind of an individual. It is also a brain and a nervous system activity. It could be positive or negative. A habit is formed by REPETITION. Once a particular activity is repeated over and over again, it eventually gets to that point where the activity cruises on auto pilot.
 *Mechanism of habit creation*
The brain and nervous system is connected to our everyday day stimuli. When an activity is carried out on the body, there is a corresponding signal that is sent in the nervous system and this creates a line-like neuro pathway. If the activity is repeated, the line-like neuro pathway that was created becomes thicker. The thicker the line, the harder it becomes to control that activity.
At this point, once there is a little stimuli, there is a fast corresponding reaction because you have programmed your nervous system to act accordingly.

An understanding of this mechanism will help us put our bodies under subjection and ensure we don't pass the wrong information to the brain and nervous system.
Also we should consider another point of view on the meaning of 'Habits and Addictions'.  'Habits', according to Oxford Advanced English Learners' Dictionary is defined as 'an automatic pattern of behaviour in reaction to a specific situation which may be acquired through frequent repetition'. Addiction is defined as being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something psychologically or physically habit-forming.
Based on the definitions above, it is obvious that habits are unconscious behaviours that have become inherent in a person as a result of consistent practice which leads to addictive tendencies.
Therefore, we can say that Habits and Addictions are not wrong per se, because they relate to characters that have become inbuilt as a result of constant practice which can tend towards the positive aspect of life that is commendable. But on the other hand, there are negative habits and addictions that should not be imbibed in our lives, which can be regarded as wretched habits and addictions.
Wretched here means “morally reprehensible” and this means that there are morals that are condemnable; morals that deserve severe rebuke or censure. In other words, wretched habits and addictions are automatic patterns of behaviours inherent in a person that are morally unacceptable.
It is sad to remark that most times, these wretched habits are more adoptable in our society than the commendable ones which are really disheartening.
However, there are reasons individuals in our societies--especially youths involve themselves in such deplorable habits that have become addictive. Although these reasons may not be justifiable, they are necessary. Let us point out these reasons for the purpose of identifying where the problem is drawn from and as such tackle it.
The reasons and ways of tackling them are given below.
WRONG MINDSET: We can change the program in our minds just the same way it was installed.

There are two things in life that inevitably drives human beings.

1. Pleasure
2. Pain

Once you derive pleasure in a particular activity, there is a large tendency to move in that direction to satisfy that pleasure.

Also, once you experience pain in an aspect, there is an automatic tendency to move away from that direction to prevent any further pain.
Now, the secret in breaking a negative habit is to now associate great pain to that activity that usually gives you pleasure, and associate greater pleasure in not doing the activity.
Most times, individuals with negative mindset exhibits unlawful habits. We should understand that the mind virtually controls our actions and inactions which means that when we allow our minds to be polluted with negative thoughts it instils in us the ability to practice wretched habits, that becomes an addiction later on. For instance, smoking in our society has been seen as a normal norm that comes with the wrong mindset that smoking is a “nerve-calming” act to ease frustrations, depression, stress etc. But in the real sense, it has serious implications that affects our health such as cancer of the lungs, kidney, pancreas and also causes heart disease, stroke and smokers are at a higher risk of pneumonia. And also considering the fact that smoking has a substance called nicotine that is addictive in nature or a habit-forming stimulant.
Therefore, in this kind of situation there has to be a mind shift to change the thought-line of individuals who have already indulged in this act by reorienting them on the ills and dangers of such negative addiction as smoking and other deplorable habits and addictions that as a result of the wrong mindset. Also, such individuals should give themselves to reading of inspirational books that can shape their mindset and also confide in persons who are capable of moulding their lives with positive perspectives of life.  And very importantly, it’s necessary that our minds are renewed daily which can be possible through the study of God’s word, which connotes that the God-factor in correcting wrong mindset in our society cannot be neglected. God’s word is a source of wisdom and direction, that renews our minds and helps us to make right decisions.

LACK OF SELF-DISCIPLINE: This is a critical point most young persons fall victims. Self -discipline is placing oneself under control thereby exhibiting a good character despite any external or internal pressure. This is however, the ability to manage the impulse of self that craves for most at times things that are alluring but at the same time has negative effects on our lives and usually has addictive tendencies.
This chronic situation has to be tackled, from the foundation or root. In order words, when the traits of lack of self-control begins to emerge it must be handled at that early stage through deliberate decisions to place oneself under control when it comes to imbibing negative habits and also making concrete decisions not to allow wrong habits to become resident in a person as a result of consistent practices, before it gets to an uncontrollable extent beyond control. For instance a person who is not discipline to study when it’s needed but prefer to indulge in vivacious activities that are not beneficial at that moment is said to lack self-discipline and if it this behaviour becomes consistent, on a long-run it will result to a negative habit which will have to take a conscious decision to correct.

POOR VALUE-SYSTEM: This is a basic point that needs to be considered importantly because we live in a society where principles of good conduct are neglected while vicious conducts are upheld in high regards, which is very disheartening. When the value-system of a person is poor or inadequate, it’s difficult to form a good moral conduct that will help one to avoid some wrong habits and addictions.
Therefore, it has become difficult to implement the right habits resulting to poor moral standards which can only be resolved when such persons pay attention to building a value system that is applaudable.  For example, a person who does not have a value system on the intake of alcohol, will succumb to drinking of alcohol irrespective of its negative effect on the individual and it reaches a point whereby it has becomes addictive and difficult to stop. This illustrates that, the individual didn’t have values that could guide him/her on the decisions to take and so became infused by the consumption of alcohol beyond his/her control.
 CONCLUSION: Habits and addictions are inbuilt character in an individual as a result of consistent practice, which if centred on positive moral standard would help shape the conduct and pattern of living of that individual but if it is a wretched or deplorable habits and addictions it would cause havoc and result to negative tendencies. Therefore, it should be noted that we are expected to form applaudable habits that is value-oriented and also become addictive to good conducts of living in order to enhance and build a good moral standard.
To create great habits, 3 things are necessary.
1. Knowledge (Why to)
2. Skill (How to)
3. Desire (Want to)

You must have a knowledge of that activity, get the required skills and the corresponding desire to go after becoming the person of your dreams.

Finally, You must understand that you create your Habits, while your habits creates your destiny. This understanding gives you a sense of proactivity and responsibility to act in the direction of your life goals.

Thank you and God bless you...
Zina Kalio (Writer_Zik)