Chapter 8

Addressing Heart-Harmful Habits

THERE IS CLEARLY overlap between habit and addiction, and sometimes what we label as a bad habit is actually addiction. In this chapter you’ll learn about the similarities and differences between habit and addiction, and how to recognize certain addictions. You’ll learn approaches, techniques, and resources to effectively address common heart-harmful habits and addictions, like tobacco, alcohol, overeating, and electronics, and what steps to take if these aren’t enough. Sometimes, addressing underlying mental health issues is the key to lasting lifestyle change.