Recovery Awareness Month

Often, when we think of addiction, our minds tend to think of addictions to substances such as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol. Yet, we can develop addictions to so many other behaviors and/or habits. In fact, according to addiction.com, the following were listed within the top 10 types of addictions:

• Coffee or caffeine
• Gambling
• Anger, as a coping strategy
• Food (excessive or withholding)
• Technology
• Sex
• Work

How/why do addictions form? Without getting too scientific:

• To feel good
• To feel better
• To do better
• Curiosity and peer pressure
• To escape

Committing to you may involve changing:

• The way you deal with stress
• Who you allow in your life
• What you do in your free time
• How you think about yourself
• The prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
• Being mindful about the way you live and the habits you have

5 Tips to Prepare Yourself for Change (if you have an addiction or are making addictive choices)…

1. Remind yourself of the reasons you want to change
2. Think about your past attempts at recovery.  What worked? What didn’t?
3. Set specific, measurable goals – set a start date or limits (if even very small)
4. Remove reminders of your addiction – from home, work, other places you frequent
5. Tell friends/family what you’re committing to and ask for help – at the very least, they can help you stay accountable

According to an article by Mental Health First Aid, Science has confirmed that addiction is a chronic brain disease that can happen to anyone.  Notice the warning signs.  Know that you are not alone.  If you had heart disease or diabetes, you would most likely treat it. As science has shown, this is a disease of its own. Do not downplay the difficulty in overcoming it.  You are not weak.  You are not defined by any addiction.  If addiction is something prevalent in your life, there are people around you and tools to help – no matter the addiction. 

Each week we try to correlate these Blog Posts with our weekly newsletter.  In each you will also get a helpful Mindful Minute – this week, “Connect with Yourself.” If you haven’t yet, enter your first name, email and click “yes, please” in the black box within the main Blog Page of this website to have these drop into your inbox each week. 

For additional tips on mindful living and topics like this, follow me @livinghealthyin5fields on social media.

*Recovery Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment 888-251-6535

Alcohol Addiction Hotline 855-908-0087

National Eating Disorders Helpline 800-931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741

American Addiction Centers Helpline 888-991-4394