Positive Addiction

by William Glasser

The author of Reality Therapy and Take Effective Control of Your Life shows readers how to gain strength and self-esteem through positive behavior.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Counselling

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Brian Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The thesis of this book is that many people, weak and strong, can help themselves to be stronger, and an important new path to strength may be positive addiction. If more of us gain strength maybe we will make a better world; there is little chance we will do so if too many of us are weak.”

~ William Glasser, M.D. from Positive Addiction

“Positive” Addiction?!? What’s that?!?

Well, imagine a negative addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.) and take that “addictive” behavior and apply it to positive stuff like running (the “hardest but surest way to positive addiction”), yoga, and meditation (the “most popular way”) and voilà! You have a Positive Addiction. You also have the difference between a weak and a strong person.

A depressed and a happy person. In his brilliant, direct style, psychiatrist and author William Glasser outlines the process we can follow to create positive addictions in our lives. Really cool stuff. The book is a quick-reading 159 pages and I *highly* recommend you check it out.

Here are some of my favorite Big Ideas:

1. The Psychology: - Strength and Weakness.
2. A Positive Addict - What is that?
3. Finding Happiness - One, two, three, go!
4. Giving Up - 1st choice of the weak.
5. Symptoms Categories - 2nd choice of the weak.

So, in what activity would you like to/are you trying to build a positive addiction? :) To strength, strength and more strength, my friend!

Here's my video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFotR...

And click here to find 250+ more of my reviews:
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Brian

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big Ideas:

+ The Positive Addiction (PA) state of mind is passive in the sense that it one cannot directly cause it to happen
- Running is the surest way to achieve PA state of mind (probably because humans depended on it for survival so there’s something primal to us about it)
- Meditation is easier than running, so available to more people, but not as guaranteed to achieve PA state of mind for extended periods so not as likely to result in full PA
- It takes about 6 months to a year to achieve PA

+ 6 criteria for PA activity
1. Is Non-competitive, chosen, can be done for approx. 1 hour a day
2. Can be done easily without great mental effort
3. Can be done alone or if rarely done with others does not depend on others
4. Has some value (physical, mental, spiritual)
5. Can be improved upon with persistence
6. Can be done without self-criticism

+ When people fail to succeed in the areas of love or worth, they become psychologically weaker
- This can lead to the person claiming not to need love or worth, or giving up on the effort altogether
- This in turn can lead to a symptom like depression or anxiety. The symptom is less painful than the lack of love and worth and less painful than trying for love and worth but failing
- Eventually negative addiction can result. Negative addiction mimics positive addiction but actually prevents love and worth rather than enhancing their pursuit, because it blocks the pain associated with symptoms like depression or anxiety and blocks the pain of trying for love and worth but failing
- The expansive “high” of negative addiction is inevitably met with a contraction of pain and withdrawal

+ Even mild drugs like caffeine and nicotine may block creativity, give the illusion of strength, and offer a false relaxation



Potent Quotables:

*The reason so many people give up is not that they want to accept lives of misery. They give up because it hurts more to keep trying when the effort always fails.

[Inda Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandfather got me hooked on psychology and self-help literature since I was very young, and I really enjoy learning about the brain and behavior modification. In this book Glasser explains the plasticity of the brain and his theory that all developed proficiency is in fact an addiction. He then supports getting addicted to a positive activity, and provides tips on how to establish your own positive addition. I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with any addictive behavior because I believe that once you understand how your brain works you can start to modify your behavior. I also recommend it to people that get discouraged easily from becoming better at something they want to get better at.

[Elizabeth Lund · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of positive addiction and his research into it is interesting. However, though the book doesn't focus on mental illness, he makes it clear that he thinks that many mental illnesses, including depression and schizophrenia, are, deep down, a choice. He makes some other sweeping claims, too, that aren't supported by any citation or extended argument. Those things dated this book enough that I found it to be of limited value (it is, after all, almost 40 years old, and the field of psychology has changed at lot since 1976).

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit dated it its psychological theories, but makes some good points. The author examines two groups of people: those addicted to running and those addicted to meditation. He supports such addictions, and sees great benefit to getting yourself addicted to some sort of positive activity. It also includes tips to establish your own positive addition.

[Ashley Van Vonderen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso
I read this over the course of a year, finding it particularly interesting because of my professional interest in exercise, meditation, Reality Therapy and A.C.T. The last chapter really ties it all together nicely and applies the narratives of previous chapters. The author is wordy, but direct, for mental health professionals. Often this is what is needed to understand how it is possible to remove cultural bias and dogma from practices that can be universally beneficial! Very helpful in my own journey to strength, self-care, and mental freedom. You already have the tools: now use them!

[Falina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting book, and I don't think it could have been written today. I bet many modern readers find it quite objectionable with Glasser's talk of weak and strong minds. Perhaps it is a gross oversimplification...or maybe we've made everything much too complicated in our quest to be politically correct and gentle? Anyway, I started meditating.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insightful read on how developing habits where you can put yourself in a non self critical state can build strength. A bit repetitive though. Interesting thoughts on the difference between strong and weak minds. It's not too long, worth a read if you keep in mind it's a little dated.

[Jonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book. I like the inspiration for positive addiction, but I disagree with his claim that mental illness is a choice.

[uosɯɐS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember when I read this book. 2000? I think I was in college, but still in OK.

The main thing I remember learning from this book was the existence of "runner's high."

[Mohamadreza Khoddami · Rating 4 out of 5]

دوستان من به این کتاب نیاز دارم و چاپش متوقف شده‌. کسی داره که لازم نداشته باشه ازش بخرم؟

[Mia Duncan-Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been nearly thirty years since I read Glasser's book on positive addiction. At the time, I was just beginning my Ph.D. program, and I found his ideas fascinating. That may also have been because I was running regularly at the time. From time to time, especially on longer runs of 5-6 miles, I would sometimes get into a zone of sorts. At times like that, it felt as if I could run forever, as if I was floating effortlessly over the ground. In that condition, running seemed to be a bodily expression of boundless delight, and I felt like laughing out loud as I skimmed over the surface of the ground, just for the pure joy of the moment.

Glasser's work gave me a frame for thinking about those experiences, and for seeking them in other ways. Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, in his book Flow describes something very similar to the experience that Glasser says leads to positive addictions. A few years later, a knee injury took me away from running, and I still find myself occasionally longing for those moments of effortless running. I wonder, though, if positive addiction, like any addictive behavior, isn't ultimately harmful to the individual. Hmmmm.

[David Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a simple reminder of finding physical, emotional strength and clarity in engaging in positive habits that energize and inspire. Dr. Glasser emphasizes his research of runner's and those who meditate as the best examples of activities most easily offering the benefits of positive addiction. These are easy and great examples of positive addiction. But, I see so many other opportunities to engage in other activities that, depending upon the individual, can offer similar benefits.

What I enjoyed most about the book was how Dr. Glasser identified those who have a negative addiction and those with a positive addiction. It is so easy to classify alcoholics, drug addicts, obese people, and gamblers as shining examples of negative addiction. Yet, there are so many people who are depressed, have quit dreaming, or are simply living/surviving life who are also incredibly negatively addicted.

Having experienced the powerful transforming experiences of positive addiction I loved this book. It challenges people to look at how they live their life today and how they could live it if they committed to a positive addiction.

[Joshua Kresse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a student at Ottawa University. I was taking a class on meditation at the time. Even though I was wasn't very knowledgeable about medical lingo, I could still understand the material in Willam Glasser's book. I am a runner and I have been for a while. I have sometimes gotten into the rhythms that Willam Glasser talks about in his book. I sometimes get into the zone when I go for lengthy walks (6 miles). That's a lengthy walk for me anyway. William Glasser mentioned something about not being able to think about anything while you are running besides running. When I run, I have many thoughts in my head, but the longer I run, the less thoughts are running through my head.

[deleted d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive Addiction
Interesting idea, I do remember times when I got addicted to positive stuff, especially exercise, either lifting weights or running. And it felt amazing. I'm still addicted to this day reading self help books ahem ahem haha.

If only I could find a way to create these positive addictions in any field in life. I feel like the book didn't provide a good solution to it, but mostly just made me aware to seek positive addiction in my life. I think I'd like to build a positive addiction to pushing myself a little harder every time I do something.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't buy into this book hook, line, and sinker, but I do think that Glasser makes some good points. I would disagree with him regarding his view that positive addiction is not usually a spiritual experience because I think that it is for Christians. What he describes as positive addiction, I feel that when I'm in the presence of God.

[Andrea Pulaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who sturggles with any kind of addictive behavior. This book breaks down the "anatomy" of addiction so that you can understand your own behavior. This book may have saved my life.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven't re-read recently ... but read it back in 1979 ... remembering reading a chapter at a time ... and needing time to think about / absorb the ideas . . . I loved the ideas and thinking about them on my own.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked how it explained all the mental benefits of running, which really hit home with me.

[Jacky Spindler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book - some good ideas - dated, of course (1976) - inspired quite a lively discussion at the weight clinic 'issues' class!

[Darlene]

lifes all about facing consequences

[Jeffrey Mcandrew]

This is such a wise book. Find your passion and follow that. For me it's music and being physically active. Thanks for your wise insights Dr. Glasser!

[Pascal Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed.
Should reread once a year.

[Kirti Angad Kaur (Lisa Stensrude Zadoyan)]

Time to review this book. #Action #Neuroplasticity #workhard #theFittest #love #wontStop #everEvolving #Grow #own #teach #live