Healthy Tips to Help Ward Off Addictive Behaviors
Guest Post by Tim Stoddart
In a world where overdose
is the leading cause of death of people under 50, we all need to be
cautious.
The truth is that some people are more susceptible
to addiction than others. We need to see more research done on the topic, but
we do know that there are genetic,
demographic and socioeconomic
factors at play.
Here’s the thing: If you can take an objective look
at your behavior, you probably know whether you’re prone to addiction or not.
Do you tend to eat way too much of a good thing?
Does someone have to pry you away from the slot machines when you're at a
casino? Have you ever been a smoker?
If you have recognized that you have trouble with
willpower and self-control, it’s best to steer clear of addictive substances
and behaviors.
But we must remember that addiction is a seductive
and dangerous disease. Even if you aren’t prone to addictive behaviors, you can
still become addicted.
It’s wise for everyone to take measures to avoid
addiction. Here are some healthy tips to help ward off addictive behaviors.
1.
Avoid or limit
addictive substances.
This
one seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. Some things are more addictive than
others. For example, alcohol may be more addictive that technology, but you can
become addicted to either. Use these things with caution or do not use them at
all. Unhealthy behaviors can lead to addiction.
2.
Replace an
unhealthy behavior with a healthy one. Let’s say you’re in the habit of
having a glass or two of wine each night. You’re already putting yourself in
the danger zone. If you want to avoid addiction, replace that glass of wine
with your favorite tea or a green smoothie. These things will enhance instead
of detract from your health.
3.
Learn about
addiction. Too
many people fall victim to addiction because of things they didn’t know. Maybe
they didn’t realize how dangerous prescription painkillers can be. Or maybe
they didn’t understand that addiction can happen to anyone. Read books,
research online and talk to people who have walked this path. The more you
know, the more likely you are to avoid addiction.
4.
Hang out with
healthy people.
The
friends you keep do have an influence on your behavior. If your friends abuse
addictive substances, you are more likely to do so. Fortunately, this works in
reverse too. If your friends live healthy lifestyles, you’re more likely to do
the same. This just makes good sense. If you spend all your time with people
who are always drinking, you will probably join them.
5.
Eat a healthy
diet.
Macro and micronutrient deficiencies can lead to depression and anxiety, which
can lead to drug or alcohol abuse. American biochemist Dr. Roger Williams
discovered that rats who were deficient in certain vitamins would consume more
alcohol than those who weren’t deficient. When researchers addressed the rat’s
vitamin deficiencies, they would drink less alcohol. For the best chance of avoiding
addiction, eat a varied, healthy diet filled with lots of fruits and vegetables.[G1] [G2]
6.
Record addictive
behaviors. When
you start sliding down the slippery slope of addiction, you will likely be
embarrassed to reveal your habits to anyone. For example, if you’re having five
alcoholic drinks a day, you might downplay your drinking to loved ones and say
you’ve only had one or two. By keeping a written record of your addictive
behaviors, you are holding yourself accountable for your own actions. You don’t
necessarily have to share your record with anyone. The act of recording your
habits should be enough to help you face any issues you may see.
7.
Adopt healthy
habits. The
more time you spend doing productive things, the less time you’ll have for
addictive behaviors – and that’s a good thing. Become obsessed with something
that’s good for your health and your body will thank you.
8.
Avoid your
“weaknesses” – Everyone
has a weakness, even Superman himself. Is yours chocolate? Maybe it’s a certain
type of adult beverage. Whatever it is, steer clear. It’s bad news to let
yourself indulge in anything if you know you’re likely to overdo it. If you
don’t want to avoid these things completely, you can use those moments as a
time to practice self-control. If you let yourself overindulge sometimes, it’s
much easier to do it again.
9.
Hold yourself
accountable to another person.
This
tip is good for anyone who tends to drink a little too much at social events.
Before you go, tell someone who will be there that you don’t want to have more
than two drinks. Ask them to hold you accountable to this limit. Of course,
there’s only so much you can expect from another person. They aren’t likely to
keep you from drinking if you make it difficult on them, but the reminder
should be enough to keep you on track. This tip can also work for other things,
like smoking cigarettes, gambling or overeating.
10.Recognize the traits of an addict. Possibly
the best thing you can do to avoid addiction is to recognize when problem
behavior is leading to addictive behavior. Here are some of the common
behaviors of addicted people:
a.
Denial
b.
Lack of patience
c.
Antisocial behavior
d.
Low self-esteem
e.
Problems dealing with stress
f.
Compulsive and impulsive behavior
Everyone can benefit from taking the measures on
this list to avoid addictive behaviors, but it’s especially important for
anyone who is prone to addictive behavior. If you’re more susceptible to
addiction, addictive behaviors can quickly ruin your life.
Try replacing dangerous addictive behaviors with
healthy habits, and you should reap many rewards. Not only will you avoid
addiction but you will nourish your body and improve your overall health.[G3]
If you think you may be addicted or need help
avoiding addiction, then reach out for help. Addiction is a disease that
affects your brain chemistry, and every day you abuse an addictive substance
can be more damaging.[G4]
About the Author: Tim Stoddart is the co-founder and
current president of Sober Nation. Tim
is a big believer in the power of thought, positive living, health, and
kindness. A recovering addict and admitted adrenaline junky, Tim has found new
and healthier ways to fill the void. He gives credit for his “spiritual
awakening” to his loving family and reading thought provoking books.
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