Is addiction destroying your life?

Addiction is most often associated with substances like drug and alcohol abuse. However, addictions can come in many shapes and forms. When you are suffering from any form of addiction, you’re trying to numb or soothe something inside of you. It’s a way to cope with trauma, anxiety, hypersensitivity, overwhelming emotions, stress, or psychological disorders. It’s a form of self-medication when you don’t have healthy ways to cope.

Addictions can impact a persons quality of life because it affects relationships and the ability to maintain stability. It can affect a persons physical and mental health as well. Some forms of addiction even place the person in danger and their lives are in constant threat. There are many factors that contribute to forming an addiction. Some of these factors include; genetics, environment, psychological disorders, childhood trauma, social peer pressures, and culture.

Children who are exposed to parents or family members who suffer from addictions are more at risk of developing them. When the addiction gene is passed down through generations, the likelihood of family members developing these addictions are high.

For some, the desire to belong and fit in may cause them to be influenced by peer pressure. They start participating in activities where substances are being used for “fun” and it leads to developing an addiction. Before you know it, you begin to crave substances even when it’s not recreational.

Psychological disorders can cause debilitating symptoms that are overwhelming. Self-medicating can suppress feelings and relieve symptoms. The brain begins to rely on things that produce certain “feel good” chemicals. When the brain begins to crave this, it makes you more vulnerable to addictions. If the brain doesn’t get what it needs, it can cause very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can be life threatening.

 Some of the most common addictions are:

 1. Alcohol

2. Drugs (including prescription medication)

3. Sex (including pornography)

4. Shopping (including shoplifting)

5. Exercise

6. Food

7. TV

8. Social Media

9. Gambling

10. Video Games

11. Plastic surgery

12. Co-dependency

How can you identify if you are struggling with an addiction?

If you feel a lack of control, or an inability to resist a substance or behavior; you’re suffering from an addiction. Some signs to look for are:

· Changes in mood such as: feeling depressed, anxious, irritated, or angry.

· Physical withdrawal symptoms such as; sweats, stomach aches, headaches, shakes, slurred speech, blood shot eyes, confusion, fever or even seizures.

· Lack of motivation to work, go to school, and have good hygiene.

· Spending all your money on a substance or behavior.

· Constantly lying, borrowing, or stealing to get the drug of choice, or to have a need met.

· Spending most of your time fantasizing about the substance or behavior and how good or bad it will make you feel.

· Having tumultuous relationships with family, friends, co-workers, teachers, and romantic partnerships.

· Irregular eating and sleeping habits.

Even though addictions are really difficult to overcome, there is hope! Addiction can be healed! It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. In order to heal an addiction you have to heal the root cause of what formed it. There are several different treatments options, but you need to find the one that works best for you. You might have to try different recovery options before you finally find the healing you need.

It’s important to find a treatment that includes identify the root cause of your addiction and knowing how to help you heal it. Find a treatment plan that specializes in the specific addiction you are suffering from. There are in patient programs that use medication to help with the withdrawal process to keep you safe.

A psychiatrist can diagnose you properly for any untreated disorders that are contributing to your addiction. They can prescribe the medication you need to improve your mental health and overcome the addiction.

A therapist or coach that specializes in trauma and addiction can help you discover the root cause of your addiction and guide you through the healing process. You’ll learn new ways to cope and will be able to change patterns/behaviors that are negatively impacting your life. In treatment, not only will you heal the root cause, you’ll be able to learn how to love and care for yourself.

Group coaching or therapy can be a source of community. Being around others who are struggling like you will help you not feel alone. Listening to others share their struggles can help you feel understood. Someone might share how they overcame a challenge that can help you overcome yours.

Mindfulness can get you through a moment where you crave the addiction. Using techniques such as: meditation, breathing exercises, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong can regulate your emotions and calm the nervous system. Practicing these healthier coping techniques can subside the unhealthy cravings and retrain your brain to crave healthier ways to cope.

Remind yourself of the aftermath when you indulge in the addiction. A moment of relief can turn into a lot of pain and chaos afterwards. These reminders will help you pause and think before relapsing.

Most important, connect to your spirituality. Believing that there is a force greater than your own that can help you conquer this is the ultimate way to beat it. Prayer will give you the strength to fight and the courage to face your demons. Knowing there is a God/Higher Power who can fill your soul with everything you need, can get you through those tempting moments to relapse.

Addictions can destroy your relationships and your life. If you are tired of living in pain, then muster up the courage to face yourself and heal. Recovery is an ongoing process that takes continuous commitment. It’s long-term recovery that requires facing and coping with life without addictive behaviors. Your life will improve and you’ll experience more health and stability.