One common way people try to deal with drug addiction is to switch from one to another. For example, a drinker might start smoking pot. While this may seem like an easy way out, it doesn’t mean the next addiction will be any less harmful. Consider why swapping one drug addiction for a different one won’t work.
What Happens if You Switch?
Switching to another addiction basically still makes a person an addict. Whether you think you can handle the next substance or not, it will still be an addiction if you never get to the root of your first problem. And it can be difficult if not impossible to heal yourself because you likely don’t have professional experience as a therapist. So you’ll be dealing with a new addiction and maybe even two. Plus, you’ll probably go back to the same addiction you were trying to get rid of in the first place. Consequently, not taking care of the addiction you have now can only make things worse.
Understand What Addiction Does to You
Over time, you learn to stick to bad habits and become dependent on drug and alcohol addiction. For one, you probably learn to welcome the feeling of numbness drugs and alcohol give you because you don’t have to face how being sober will make you feel. Coping with feelings you deem as unpleasant with substance abuse becomes a crutch and this is dangerous.
Instead, Change to Healthy Habits
Since you learned unhealthy habits by becoming addicted to drugs, you’ll have to unlearn these and take on healthy ones. For example, each time you feel like using drugs or drinking alcohol, you can exercise. And if you don’t particularly enjoy exercising, you can make it fun by getting active. You might want to join a sports team or take a dance class, or do another healthy activity to stay fit that takes the place of your addiction. Another healthy habit is practicing mindfulness. This can be helpful for controlling your actions and emotions and having peace of mind.
For instance, you can practice yoga and/or meditation every day or a few times a week. Just take a yoga mat to a quiet spot indoors or outside and take time to relax. In addition, a worthwhile hobby can help you pass the time without reverting to addictive behaviors. This could be painting, drawing, woodworking, riding a bike, playing chess, knitting, playing a musical instrument, pottery, running, basketball, photography, creative writing, or whatever you’d like to try.
No matter what, make sure your healthy habits bring you joy so you won’t want to go back to using drugs or alcohol to maintain false happiness. Other healthy habits to try are:
- Take a bath or shower to refresh your body and senses. You can use your favorite soap and maybe even light some calming candles
- Volunteer to help your community and feel like a better person. You can plant trees and enjoy nature, serve meals to disadvantaged people at a soup kitchen, or walk dogs at a local animal shelter, among other things.
- Go somewhere interesting such as an art museum or zoo. You can appreciate some art or enjoy viewing various animal species.
- Cook a healthy meal and savor every bite. Healthy meals can taste delicious and give you energy.
Consider Treatment
If you can’t deal with your addiction on your own or simply don’t want to, then seeking treatment can be smart. After all, it’s okay to admit you’re not perfect because no one is. Plus, in treatment, you can feel less alone because there will be people around you who have similar problems to yours. While it won’t be easy, you’ll be on the right path to freedom from your addiction.
All things considered, being addicted to something, no matter what it may be, makes a person an addict. Therefore, going from one addiction to another doesn’t mean you’re changing the mold you’re cut from. Getting to the root of the problem is the only way to solve the problem. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 772-266-5320.
