Many people nowadays are addicted not just to harmful substances such as drugs but also to harmful behaviors such as net addiction. Even if we aren’t addicted, we all have certain habits that undermine us. How can we overcome such habits? By finding something more meaningful to focus ourselves on. 

When alcoholics want to disentangle themselves from their alcoholism, they tend to think that they are suffering because they are attached, indeed addicted, to alcohol. While that is true, a more complete truth is that there existed in their life a void that alcohol filled. Unless they can fill that void with something more positive, more meaningful, more fulfilling, they will find themselves relapsing into alcoholism, no matter how much they resolve to give it up. 

In fact, alcoholics often stay addicted not because they love alcohol so much, but because they believe they have no other accessible way to fill their need for relief or comfort. To become sober, they need to channel their emotions elsewhere and therein fulfill that need. Without doing that, even if they become sober by sheer willpower, they won’t be able to sustain their abstinence and will have a relapse

Broadening this analysis to overall material attachments, the Bhagavad-gita (02.60) states that mere renunciation is difficult to sustain even for those with great discernment and determination. Therefore, the next verse (02.61) recommends that we focus our mind on Krishna, thereby centering our life on his love and service. When we understand that we all can become instruments for a benevolent power far greater than ours, acting on that understanding fills our life with profound meaning and purpose, empowering us to push aside and overcome unhealthy cravings. 

One-sentence summary:

To overcome any negative habit, focus not on disentanglement — focus on engagement and fulfillment.

Think it over: 

  • What makes us attached to unhealthy behaviors?
  • How can we develop a positive purpose for our life?
  • How can Gita wisdom help us develop a positive purpose? 

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02.60: The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them.