Have you ever wondered if you are an addict? Chances are that you probably have some form of addiction or another. If you smoke, drink daily, can’t start the morning without a coffee or end dinner without dessert then you may have an addiction.
An addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.
So let’s think about that for a moment. We know smoking is harmful to us so it’s easy to see that as an addiction, but other things are sometimes more difficult to see that way. Did you know that you should go at least 3 days a week without drinking any alcohol in order for your liver to recover? So drinking alcohol every day is damaging, even if it’s only a small glass of wine with dinner. If the idea of giving up booze for three days a week is uncomfortable – you have an addiction.
How about sugar? We know that too much sugar in our diet causes obesity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Still fancy a doughnut? Then you, my friend, are addicted!
Is there such a thing as a healthy addiction? Looking back at the definition, no there isn’t, but it’s not quite that simple.
Some people go to the gym every day. Exercising is good for us right? Yes, of course it is, but exercising every day is not. Your body needs time to recover and heal from exercise too. If you can’t have a rest day, you have an addiction. If you are exercising against doctors orders, you have an addiction. if you are exercising when you are unwell, you have an addiction. If you are exercising on an injury ….you guessed it.
How about a healthy diet. If you read my blog regularly you will now that I am always banging on about eating healthily. Veggies are good for you, nutrient rich food is important, eat you fibre blah blah blah. But if you are out with friends and can’t order off the menu because there’s nothing on it you can eat (and you don’t have specific allergies related to the foods) then you may have a type of addiction. It’s known as orthorexia, and it’s where people restrict their food choices in an unhealthy way.
Addiction is everywhere. I would suggest a few things.
First – Recognise your own addictions. If you don’t know you have them it’s very difficult to do something about them. Look at your day in a critical way and ask yourself is there any part of it that you would be unhappy if you couldn’t do. Then ask yourself – is that a healthy habit?
Second – ask those you love, and who love you, for their input. You may be surprised that they come up with things you may never have thought of. Things like excessive personal hygiene, excessive cleaning, watching too much porn and gaming often come up from other people.
Third – Try to change your routine to cut out your addiction.
Finally – Remember PEOPLE QUIT STUFF THEY ARE ADDICTED TO ALL THE TIME. Let that sink in for a moment. Just because you are addicted now, does not mean that you have to stay addicted. Yes it will feel uncomfortable. Yes it will be tricky and Yes, you CAN do it.
If people can quit heroin, you can quit smoking. If people can quit crack cocaine, you can quit sugar. I know you like it – they probably liked their heroin too.
Some people can kick their addictions on their own, and I would always suggest that as a first try. If however you struggle, that does not mean you have no other choices. Get support and help to quit your addiction from professionals who have the skills to help you.
Happiness, Health and Hypnosis 
Last year I cut out SO MUCH sugar, and I felt great! This year it’s a bit harder to get back at it. =/ My strategies are to throw out all easy-to-consume sugars in the house (which is difficult, because I was taught NEVER to waste, which is another issue). Then when I get a craving for a candy bar, I allow myself a small, “fun sized” chocolate and that usually satisfies. It’s a constant work in progress.
LikeLike
Well done for your commitment. Sugar is a tricky one to deal with as it’s in so many of our foods. I think your strategies are good bud there’s another one you can try. When you are in the mood for a sweet food, close your eyes for a moment and imagine pouring salt all over it. Quite often that’s enough to take away the craving. Also don’t think of throwing food out as wasting it. It was wasted when you bought it and didn’t need it. All you’re doing now is clearing it out 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo that salt trick is great! Haha, I cringed just reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person