We often come across the word addiction being used in real life. We have heard of drug addicts, work addicts, and many different types of addicts. But did you know that too much of anything can perhaps be branded as addiction? And that it can be something that is otherwise considered a great thing to do - Studying, for instance.
As we know addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking, or using something to the point where it could become harmful to the person. It can be of two types substance and process. Substance addiction involves being addicted to a substance or product. Process addiction means the person is addicted to the habit or process of doing something.
Academic addiction is a thing. Yes. It has some serious and harmful effects on a person's mental and physical health. Academic addiction is a type of process addiction where the person is addicted to the process of studying and scoring good grades. It creates a need of scoring well or achieving something in the field of academics.
Academic addiction can also be termed as an early stage to work addiction. Many factors contribute to it. It is seen that modern society has tough competition in the field of academics. One requires to excel and score good grades to enrol in the best school and college. It also shows that getting acknowledgement in this field is related to a great future.
One of many factors is peer pressure. Many times it is seen that if a student achieves higher marks in the peer group, it creates strong competition, which leads to academic addiction. High expectations from society, parents, and institutions can also lead to it. Students are made to work hard and fear for the future, rather than working on themselves.
The most important factor leading to addiction is one's feeling of getting good grades and doing well in academics. Many students feel that their source of happiness is getting good grades or being the best among their friends.
Being an academic addict creates adverse effects on the mental and physical health of a person. One is stressed and worried all time and many times it is seen that to score high, the person goes to any extent. What has started as a healthy competition turns into an unhealthy one.
So what can be done to make scoring good not an addiction? The first step is awareness, it is the duty of parents and institutions to teach students about academic addiction. They must learn that working hard for their grades is a good thing but to an extent. Sometimes failing or scoring low points is normal. Getting good marks is not everything, holistic development is also necessary.
In case a student becomes an academic addict then he/she must talk to parents or teachers. Giving yourself a break and writing down the things can help to overcome this addiction. One must know that overdoing anything is bad and grades are not life. Students can also ask for counselling and help from their parents.
Learn to have a healthy competition and the moment it turns unhealthy stop it. Practising different hobbies like yoga, meditation, swimming, athletics, painting, and dancing can also be of great help.
The key factor which helps one to overcome addiction to academics is proper knowledge and awareness about it. One must have strong willpower and courage, writing down helps a lot. In adverse cases don't be shy to seek advice.
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