Tag Archives: addiction

Diet Coke Addiction

If you ever thought you had a Diet Coke addiction, you’re not alone. The other good news is that it’s not your fault. You probably don’t have a choice. Thank your brain.

Your brain is the one that’s addicted. Not so much you.  It’s your brain that doesn’t take no for an answer.

Part of it is the caffeine, sure. It’s the #1 addictive drug in the world. Your brain hurts without it.

The other reason for being addicted to Diet Coke? It’s there. Everywhere. Down the hall. Across the street. In the fridge.

A tired brain is a stubborn brain. And a stubborn brain wants instant satisfaction. When your brain knows an ice-cold Diet Coke is within reach, there’s no stopping it.

Want to end your addiction to Diet Coke? Just hide it. Better yet. Toss it out completely.

You won’t miss it.

Hello, Irene

Big drug dealers have a simple strategy.  Sell a highly addictive, high-margin, readily available product in mass to low-income neighborhoods.  Example: Frank Lucas, heroin, and Harlem, NY. He claimed to earn $1 million dollars per day.

Big Food has a simple strategy, too.  Sell a highly addictive, high-margin, readily available product in mass to low-income neighborhoods.  Example: Irene Rosenfeld of Mondelēz (formally Kraft Foods), Oreo Cookies, and Mobile, Alabama.  She makes $28 million dollars per year.

That we perceive the former at any differently than the latter makes me want to do drugs.

Good thing there’s a 7-11 across the street.

Effing with Fear

American Airlines sent me an interesting offer.  If I fly 9,000 miles in the next three months, I can keep my Platinum Status.  I could do it.  And it wouldn’t cost that much.

It’s an interesting proposition.  Cutting the security line.  Boarding the plane first.  Free checked bags.  Walking a little taller.

Nobody who hasn’t had Platinum Status would take this offer right?  The benefits are nice, but are they worth the time and cost of flying 9,000 miles in three months?   No way.

But for me?  A guy who has tasted the world of Platinum Status?  I considered.  I considered taking a ride to Paris and back.  Twice.

Fear sells.  And it almost got me.

I fear losing my Platinum Status.  But I realized I fear being forever addicted to Platinum Status even more.