Addictions?

So how do stop addictions.  It's interesting.  I know I have an addictive personality.  I smoked for many years, and obviously food was an addiction.  How do you stop of tranferring addictions.  I  don't want to go into a lot of detail, but I can see myself transferring addictions and I know this isn't healthy.  I hate NOT being in control.  any suggestions?


Linda

Linda, I am right there with you.  Therefore, I hope to learn from the responses you receive.
Terry

One word Linda....Therapy.  You need to find out why you are an addictive personality and deal with the issues that are causing it.  You can try to figure it out yourself, but you may or may not be able to do that.

If you are in therapy already, you might need a different therapist.  One that focuses of addictions and transfer addictions. I really believe that is the best way to deal with it all.

Hope you find the answers.

Stephanie

Hi Linda,

I agree that therapy is a great way to address an addictive personality.  I definitely have one when it comes to food.  I can't seem to stop that voice in my head that constantly wants me to eat. It's so frustrating.  I have to constantly battle this voice and I hate it.  I've had a lot of therapy to teach me how to negotiate with this voice that seems to seek comfort all the time. Without therapy there is no way I could have had this surgery.

There is a great book called "Lighting Up: How I Stopped Smoking, Drinking, and Everything Else I Loved in Life Except Sex by Susan Shapiro. With a lot of detail she writes about how she worked with a therapist to kill the addictive voice she had within her.  The book shows how she transferred her smoking addicition to smoking and than to gum and than diet sodas and so on. I love this book because it show the process she went through to "get clean". 

I hope this helps!

MsBlues

Your post reminds me of an ashtray I used to have (back when I smoked).  It said:

I've been reading so much about the bad effects of eating, drinking, smoking, and sex, that I have finally decided to give up reading.

Seriously, "addictive personality" is no doubt an issue for many, and some of us substitute food for other things that are missing in our lives, such as love, or fulfillment, etc.  Therapy can help us pinpoint those issues and deal with them in healthy ways.  However, I suspect some of us (also/instead) suffer from "addictive brain chemistry" -- even though we are happy and fulfilled, our brain chemistry (serotonin levels or something) is off, and feeding the addiction somehow fixes it, which allows us to feel calm, or happy, or even just "normal."  If that's the problem, all the talk therapy in the world may not help.  However, substituting healthy addictions (e.g., chewing gum, exercising, knitting, posting on OH  ) may do the trick.

You bring a lot of questions to my mind about addiction and addictive personalities.  I am more of an obsessive complusive personality and wonder if that is not the same as an addictive personality.
my major addiction was food.  I have not had surgery yet, but in the appeals process.  anyway, I know that for what ever reason a person becomes addicted to anything, that the issues that caused/or fed the addiction are still there.  I have found my triggers of indulgence with food and have learned how to deal with them, ( i hope).  The main thing that got me to thinking was the transferenece of addiction.  I come from three generations of drug/alcohol abusers and presently I could careless if I drink alcohol or not and the only drugs I take are those that are keeping me alive at this point , ie for diabeties, hi cholestoral, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, ( 12 pills a day).  I am actually wondering if /what my transference would/could be or if I may able to escape it completely.

Something to think about.

hugs from balitmore


Zells_lori is "abuddingrose"

First of all....there is nothing to be ashamed of....and we can all help each other on our journey....with what we have been though...and if some way I can help make your journey a little easier I will!

I do know a lot about this subject.  I too have an addictive personality....Through therapy (I did a small group), support group, and strong will power I am able to control it.  And really don't even think about it any more. 

Food was my first addiction "sugar" was my drug or choice, I had to go cold turkey and can not go back to it.  Sugar is to me like Alcohol to an alcoholic.  One bite and there is no going back!!!!  

I have also had transferring addiction, exercise was one (which I don't consider a bad addiction), and shopping.  Wow, my first few years out from surgery...I just couldn't buy enough...it felt so good to be able to actually buy clothes off the rack.  But 10 black shirts and 10 red one and 10  pink ones etc. is just out of control. I would justify it as I only shop on the clearance rack and even on sale!   I think it was the "Rush" that I liked the most!!!!

Now I rarely shop, and when I do I make sure it is something I really need. 

I am proof  that you can conquer or control the addictive personality!  But it does take a lot of work....BUT YOU CAN DO IT!!!

If you would like to read more about addictions visit my website

www.gingerrock.blogspot.com

Much love,

Ginger

I think the first step is to recognize the tendencies and KNOW yourself. I have alcoholism and smoking going WAY back in my family and depression and basically addictive personalities PLUS enabler personalities too...You have to know your triggers. What sets you off.

I can sit here all day long with all sorts of cakes and pies right in the room with me. Donuts..no problem. I can even smell them from across the room. But put a dozen of my husband's chocolate chip cookies anywhere in the same county...I'm screwed. So he's no longer allowed to bake them. he'll make a half dozen for  him and ds when I'm at work but they have to be GONE when I get home. I keep sugar free cookies and candy in the house and you know what? I'm not nearly as tempted by those as I used to be on the others. I'll have them if I have room but if Idon't...I won't.

Know what causes you to be weak...and guard against it. Be prepared. go for a walk, do the dishes, chew gum (if you're allowed to by your surgeon) or just walk away...Like the ad campaign says "Just say NO." The longer you can say no the easier it is to say NO and mean it.

Go to therapy, make new habits to replace addictive ones, find a support group that fits your needs for your particular addiction, and buddy up.. many support groups will partner you with a sponsor or a buddy who you can call during low moments, or even high ones.. sometimes those are just as hard to deal with and feel good about... take inventory and concentrate your time with people who love and support you.... and keep talking.. don't shut yourself away... irregardless of what we each bring to the table we need each other!

Linda, you came to the right place. I am sure there are many here going throught the same things. I don't have an addictive personality, so I can't relate to this situation. I just wanted to let you know that we are all here for you, and support you and everyone else who are going through this. xoxoxo