One of the characteristic beliefs of many addicts - and non-addicts - is that money will bring them success and happiness. Not so.
Now there's little doubt that money will bring us a degree of pleasure, at least on a temporary basis. But when we tire of that pleasure, we think that maybe a little more will make our lives wonderful. So, we work to get a bigger house. A nicer car. A better wardrobe. More jewelry. And stuff that we think will fulfill our lives.
In psychology it is often described as the "hedonic treadmill." I run and run harder and faster to accumulate more stuff. Then I'll be happy. But sooner or later we find that more stuff is not the key to happiness. Many wear themselves out on the treadmill, and soon realize that there other ways to happiness aside from accumulating stuff that only brings pleasure for while.
Those who get off that path may decide to improve their lives by going to school. Learning to play a musical instrument. Joining a church. Volunteering at a senior center, or becoming active in sponsoring others in recovery.
When we devote ourselves to learning a new skill or to helping others improve their lives then we find true happiness.
I once thought the same way: that a lot of material things would make me happy. But once I got those things they didn't give me what I wanted.
So I devoted my life to helping others change for the better and achieve their goals in life. That's what brought me the happiness that I have today.
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