[Back In The Saddle]

Originally posted by rainmaker
I found a little article in a magazine about the biochemical basis for addiction. The article specifies certain substances and behaviors that seem to be especially addictive, and then there is a little "test" a person can take to learn "how prone your brain is to addiction." I suggest you run through each question, thinking about reffing, and see how you come out. I'm a little embarassed about my own results!

1. Does it take more volume or more intensity of the substance or activity to achieve the same effect than it did previously?

Yep. Fresh/Soph used to be enough. Now I need JV and long for Varsity.

2. Do withdrawal symptoms occur when use of the substance or participation in the activity stop abruptly? (think mid-March here folks...)

Yes. And there is great sadness when I have to turn an assigner away.

3. Does participation in the activity (or consumption of the substance) occur in larger amounts or over longer intervals than originally intended?

I think I told my wife something about 2, maybe 3 nights per week. Some weeks it's been 5 or 6.

4. Is there an enduring but unfulfilled wish to cut down on the use of the substance or participation in the activity?

You're kidding, right?

5. Is an inordinate amount of time spent looking for, consuming, and recovering from the use of the substance or participation in the activity?

Define inordinate

6. Are family, work, or recreational activities sacrificiced due to use of the substance or participation in the activity?

This IS my recreational activity.

7. Does consumption of the substance or participation in the activity persist despite an awareness that it is damaging to health, family life, or job performance?

Oh yeah!