Why is it important to distinguish between your needs and your wants?

Because resources are limited. Nobody has the resources to get everything he or she wants. Thus it is necessary to prioritize your wants and to understand what it is that you actually need. You need food and water or you will die. You need that food to contain the nutrients you need to be healthy. So, as much as you might want that new smart phone, food comes first. And as much as you might want that bag of french fries, they contain no nutrients that your body really needs.

Addicts can completely lose perspective on these issues and end up without money to eat because they spent it on their addiction.