It’s important to start with an extreme example of bad habits—addictions.
Frankly, it’s easy to fall into the trap of lying to ourselves about a negative routine. You might think an action (like drinking) is an innocent thing that “sometimes” gets out of control. However, the people around you might have a different opinion. Perhaps they feel this habit is the sign of a deep-seated addiction that needs immediate attention.
To be honest, you can only break some habits by following the plan in this book. Others are the result of addictions that might require you to seek out professional counseling or join an organization that has a strong support system.
Do you have an addiction?
The following questions will help you determine the true answer.
Do you:
1. Experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop doing the behavior (e.g. lack of focus, anger, frustration or insomnia)?
2. Stop doing the activities you once found enjoyable to engage in this habit instead?
3. Go on binges whenever you do the habit?
4. Keep a stash or supply of the product for emergencies (i.e. hiding bottles of alcohol throughout your home)?
5. Obsess about doing the activity to the point where it interferes with your daily routine?
6. Have financial difficulties because you’ve spent all of your money on the activity?
7. Have trouble limiting the activity? For instance, one pint turns into a binge-drinking session that ends with you blacking out.
8. Have health issues directly related to this activity?
9. Engage in risky behavior whenever doing this activity?
10. Do the activity as a way to deal with stress and emotional problems?
11. Deny or hide your behavior from others?
12. Damage your interpersonal relationships because of this activity?
People who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, binge eating, chain smoking and eating disorders usually experience some or all of these symptoms. It’s not an all-or-nothing checklist, so if you read it and some of the scenarios sound familiar, then you might want to seek out a professional solution to your possible addiction.
Here are few ways to do this:
• Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in addictions.
• Join a group like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).
• Join a weight-loss group that emphasizes permanent life changes instead of fad diets.
• Ask your doctor about different (non-addictive) ways to battle cravings.
Don’t be afraid to seek help from others. You might have an addiction that you can’t overcome by following a simple checklist. Odds are, if you think you have a real problem, then it might be time to get the assistance you really need.