This or That?

Since addiction wears many disguises, it's easy to overlook the subtle ways it can sneak into our lives, sometimes even replacing one habit with another.

On the surface addiction may seem fairly simple, but its complexity is where we learn to understand it. The cycle of addiction involves several steps that bond the user with the substance, make the addiction seem pleasurable, develop a tolerance for it, and create a habit of dependency. That feeling of dependency–as if you will die if you don’t experience the high–that’s where the addiction resides. So it makes reasonable sense that even if the user is going through recovery, they might find a new “place” for habit in their life. The rhythm of using can be strong and the compulsive behaviors addicts learn over time don’t usually disappear overnight. So while addicts may be able to fight their urge to drink or use drugs, they might find themselves becoming addicted to other practices, even positive ones, that can hinder their healing.

Off Balance

For some, the transference of addictive behaviors can turn a new habit into a new drug.

Let’s use working out as an example. To someone who has been abusing their body with substances, newfound sobriety and exercise can feel euphoric. Doing something good for themselves, spending time clear headed and motivated, and getting a rush of serotonin after a great workout can seem like the perfect practice to encourage sobriety and a more balanced life. Don’t get us wrong: having healthy rhythms is essential to sobriety! But for some, the transference of addictive behaviors can turn a new habit into a new drug. Instead of focusing on mental health and strong relationships, the long workout can become a compulsive act. The physical goals can become the next hit. The same can happen for those who dive deep into their work, placing their value in productivity or what they can accomplish or earn. Some may transfer their addiction to shopping, sex, or gambling. This is why the healing of recovering cannot merely be physical. It demands a deeper look at why the addiction began and how to move forward with balance in all areas of life.

True Healing

Treating the whole person and addressing all areas of addictive behavior are key to recovery. Counselors will often focus on creating balanced, meaningful lifestyles that check addictive behaviors, focus on keeping stressors low, and place high value on sleep, movement, and work. Appreciating good things in their proper place is an important part of life for all adults and truthfully, even those who don’t suffer from addictive or compulsive behaviors can often struggle with finding balance. For most of us, frequent reflection and reevaluation may be the answer to maintaining health in all areas of our lives.

As we navigate the complex web of addiction and its far-reaching effects, may we remember that true recovery requires a holistic approach, encompassing mind, body, and soul, in order to reclaim a life of freedom and fulfillment.

Verified Reliable Sources for the Content in This Article: “Avoid Substituting Addictions to Maintain Abstinence” by Buddy T, founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee; and John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE

Put It Into Practice

How do you know if you have proper control over the good things in life or if they have control over you?

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1. Are you unreasonably irritable when you can’t make “it” happen? The workout didn’t shake out, the internet was down and you couldn’t shop, you had to put off a work meeting to stay home with a sick child?

2. Do you find yourself obsessively planning around “it”?

3. Do you go to bed or wake up in the morning thinking about “it”?

4. Are your relationships suffering? Could “it” be why?

Taking a long hard look at these factors may help you figure out if you’ve simply transferred addictive behaviors. Compulsive lifestyles can be hard to break down. Give yourself grace, seek treatment, and learn to live free.

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