Hints That You Might Be Addicted

No one likes to hear that they have an addiction. Sometimes their use of a substance or process addiction develops so subtly that one doesn't even recognize what is occurring until consequences set in.

There is a powerful line in the song "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns that claims "People Never Crumble in a Day". Your see choices over time lead to problems.

Following are some of the things that can help you to assess your situation: 

1. Secrets - When you are trying to hide the things that you are doing from other people, then you are probably up to no good. It doesn't matter if it is using pornography, drinking alcohol, shoplifting, having an affair or stealing - these things all take a toll at some point. 

2. Lying - Telling one lie means that you have to tell another to cover it up and then another to cover that one up. Eventually you forget what the first lie was and then you are busted. 

3. Contacts - We become like our surroundings. When the people in our lives have substance or process addictions, we are setting ourselves up for addictions. If you think that your group of friends don't drink too much, try being the sober one in the room and see if your initial assessment changes. 

4. Opinions - When other people are confronting you about things you are doing, don't ignore them. Having someone share their concerns is likely more about caring than about nagging. 

5. Focus - Where to you invest your time, energy and thoughts? If you are feeling obsessed about something, perhaps you are in or on the edge of trouble. 

6. Responsibilities - Are you neglecting things that you value? Perhaps you are not paying your bills on time, doing a good job at work or being there for your family. Letting things slip allows others to lose their trust in your word. 

7. Health - Hang overs, feeling poorly or noticing physical problems that you didn't previously experience are warning signs designed to get your attention. Taking more sick time from work is a good indication of problems. I am amazed at how many people eat nutritiously, exercise and then ingest alcohol which is a poison or illicit drugs that are not regulated. 

8. Finances -Get honest with yourself about how much you are spending on your "habit". For one month, write down every cent that is going towards substances or activities that can be or are addictive for you. You might be very surprised about how much addictions are stealing from bank account. 

9. Fear - If you are worried that you might get caught by police for your actions, you have crossed a serious line. Those in safety sensitive positions who have a positive drug or alcohol test can lose their jobs, reputation, self-respect as well as thousands of dollars in lost wages. Think of it this way. Are you afraid of what your child or grandchild would think of your choices? 

10. Shame - Guilt means that you think you have made a mistake. Shame means that you think you are a mistake. Addictions are deceitful because they offer short-term gain in exchange for pain, embarrassment and self-flagellation. You don't have to be ashamed of yourself anymore.

If you find that there are things on this list that ring true for you, don't despair. There are professionals and resources available to help you. You can invest in yourself today by simply booking an appointment with someone who will help you develop strategies for a better future.

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5 Ways in Which Exercise Aids Recovery

When a person gets addicted to an illegal substance, he or she constantly craves the substance at the expense of everything else in life. At times, people fighting substance abuse may even disregard their physical and mental health, exposing themselves to the harmful effects of addiction. When abusing drugs, such people do not focus on their actions or choices, which, in turn, leads to irreparable damage to their physical and mental health.

However, when a compulsive alcohol or drug user decides to lead a sober life, he or she faces innumerable challenges in combating the constant cravings for addictive substances and lead a normal life.

Studies show that indulging in healthy habits, such as regular exercise or eating a healthy diet, can pave the way for overall well being, such as improving blood circulation, strengthening the heart, maintaining weight, relieving stress and sharpening the mind.

For a person recovering from any sort of addiction, physical exercise can play a key role in uplifting the mood and maintaining overall health. Apart from helping in the release of endorphins, which the body craves during recovery, exercise repairs the psychological and physical damage of chemical dependency caused by alcohol or drug abuse.

Here are some benefits that a person can gain by exercising while recovering from an addiction:

1. Keeping oneself busy: One of the major benefits of exercising on a regular basis is that it keeps the person busy and helps focus on the present. Exercising on a regular basis keeps stress and boredom at bay and helps avoid thoughts of using alcohol or drugs.
2. Relieving stress: Stress and tension can result from several situations in life, such as work pressure, deteriorating health or substance abuse. Exercising can help the body get rid of stress and negative emotions. It is important to get moving and start physical exercise since avoiding it might increase the chances of the person opting for unhealthy ways to get rid of the stress and tension such as relapsing to drug and alcohol use.
3. Enhancing natural levels of endorphins: When a person abuses alcohol, it releases endorphins, the neurotransmitters in the brain, that create euphoria. However, using it for a long period of time causes dependency and creates a chemical imbalance that interferes with the person's ability to feel pleasure, happiness and satisfaction.A better way to enable the release of these hormones is by exercising regularly. Regular physical activity assists in restoring the natural levels of endorphins in the body.
4. Inculcating a better outlook: Exercising on a regular basis helps one develop a positive outlook toward life. It not only helps in boosting the person's self-confidence but also instills positivity.
5. Healing body and mind: Engaging in physical activity protects a person, especially those recovering from an addiction to alcohol, against deadly diseases such as cancer, heart ailments, etc. When a person in recovery exercises every day, it increases the number of new nerve connections in the brain that helps heal better from the effects of substance use.

Seeking professional help

Alcoholism not only affects the physical and mental health of a person but also those related to that person. It is important to note that alcohol addiction is a disease that can be treated.

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