are creative people more prone to addiction and or maddness?

Question

see: Hemingway, Edgar Allen Poe, Lou Reed, Jackson (the dripper Pollock. Of course there are numerous creative folks who aren't, just a thought.

Answer 1

It's one of the downfalls of being a writer. That's why so many have killed themselves, or are alcoholics and such. Being a writer requires a certain sort of intense sensitivity and so we feel things on this deeper level than the rest of the world. We know and understand too much. And then sometimes, we just get stuck and resort to all kinds of madness.

Answer 2

A creative person has to think, write, paint, etc. in extra-ordinary ways, step out of the ruts of conformity and custom. So they have to be a bit mad (if by mad you mean odd) to begin with. Sometimes, in order to spur creativity, some people do extra-ordinary things, take risks, to force the brain to come up with new connections, novel insights, etc. So excessive drinking may help some (though the dead brain cells aren't worth that trip). Drugs of various kinds that change brain chemistry (and thus cause extra-ordinary awareness) may also be used.

I don't know that addiction is exclusively a creative person's tendency, however. I think that addiction is a separate phenomenon that some creative people may have. I don't think that a rat (or human) hooked on cocaine is at all creative--they may be addicts, but they're not creative.

Answer 3

That phenomenon cannot be explained in a few words. Just notice that everything would be an addiction even creativity...so "more prone to addiction" is not a question, for everyone is addicted in different forms. Matter of judgment make it good addiction and bad addiction. In truth there is no such a things as good and bad in that matter, if you see things from bigger perspective. Only addiction left.

Answer 4

If you are not crazy enough you will be like other common people on this world. Creativity requires new thoughts, new ideas and these things come only when you think differently or when you are indifferent than others.
When creative people follow that approach others view/ comment like you.
Those who tasted honey only know about the sweetness

Answer 5

That's the myth but I work as a creative person ( I am a magic consultant and design props , sets etc. as well as work on the advertising and promotion of shows.) but I don't smoke , drink, gamble. or have sex with everyone I meet and I know some really stupid people that do so My feeling is the theory doe not hold up.

Answer 6

yes, it can be frustrating to many creative people when limitations are placed on them from family, work, lack of funds, or even just lack of anyone who can share in their ideas or relate to them. They are often seen as odd and avoided by everyday less-original and creative people, and that can drive them crazy, too. And an addition to a substance or dangerous activity is often their only escape from the world that doesn't accept them and the constant desire to realize their vision, or make their invention work.

Answer 7

I think so, there seems to be something tortured in the inspired that brings out these fantastic expressions. Perhaps art is the product of vented angst, an interesting thought.

Answer 8

I read a research article saying that people who are described as "novelty seekers" are more prone to addition and depression. If I can find the source I'll add it. I wasn't entirely sure what "novelty seeking" meant.

Answer 9

wow.... as an artist, musician, and although else i imagine i'm...haha i am going to allow you to comprehend it merely facilitates me relax and open my ideas up. I not in any respect went into the fathoms of demanding drugs, yet i have executed my honest share of factors in my day and it merely facilitates me take care of issues from time to time. for instance, if i'm in my room and that i have a marijuana cigerette...it keeps me in my daze of consentrating on my drawings. I frequently imagine about issues in existence even if it really is faith or a stick on the floor and consider about it. i comprehend it sounds wierd, yet artists are not actual the norm. anybody is prevalent with that, yet I merely wish i ought to relate extra to human beings, and it really is the in ordinary words way i am going to by using doing the failings I do. i'd hate being favourite

Answer 10

To madness yes, to Addiction not!
To create one has to be .... "mad", compared to the mass concepts!
If one is creative can be addicted only to what he wants! Thus, it is not a real addiction, or at least does not get addicted influenced by others!