Unhealthy habits, if left unchecked, can quickly lead to addiction. However, identifying the bad habits that lead to addiction and replacing them with positive lifestyle changes will bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, San Antonio Recovery Center’s cognitive-behavioral therapy program can help you break the cycle of bad habits and addiction and begin your healing journey.
The early warning signs of addiction are not that difficult to spot. Once you identify the bad habits that lead to addiction, you can take steps to avoid possible triggers or reach out to a professional program. You will learn vital life skills and effective coping mechanisms to manage stressful situations with the proper emotional support and therapy.
Call us at 866.957.7885 to learn more about our customizable addiction treatment programs and therapies.
Identifying Bad Habits That Lead to Addiction
If you’re confused if a particular habit is good or bad, a good rule of thumb is this: bad habits tend to make us feel temporarily good but affect us in the long run, while good habits usually bring lasting benefits. Learning to spot the bad habits that lead to addiction and being mindful of one’s thoughts and behavior is the first step towards a healthier and happier life. Here are a few bad habits that are commonly associated with addiction:
Smoking Regularly
Nicotine addiction is a very serious issue and can cause various health complications, including cancer. If you smoke regularly, try to find ways to cut down on cigarettes or reach out to a professional who can help you with quitting.
Binge Drinking
While drinking in moderation is fine, it can quickly turn into an unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with the stress of work and family life. Since drinking at social events is normalized in our culture, it might be difficult to say no to that complimentary glass of wine. But if you find yourself stockpiling liquor, going to the office with a hangover, or looking forward to binge drinking sessions with friends and colleagues after work, it is time to take a step back.
Avoid giving in to peer pressure. Spend some time identifying the situations that give rise to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol consumption. Besides, binge drinking also carries immediate health risks linked to accidents and violent behavior.
Irregular Sleep Routine
A good night’s sleep can do wonders for one’s health and emotional well-being. However, a busy workaholic lifestyle encourages us to stay up late and have an irregular sleep schedule. That, in turn, leaves us feeling tired, lethargic, and irritable during the day and may even lead to caffeine addiction.
So instead of reaching out for that morning cup of coffee, fix your sleep schedule and ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Misusing Prescription Medication
Prescription medication often contains substances that lead to chemical dependence and addiction. So always ensure that you don’t take more pills than the recommended dosage or take them more frequently than necessary.
Moreover, since these pills are often prescribed to cope with a particular mental-health disorder or as pain relief, misusing them can drastically worsen one’s symptoms.
Find Help and Healing at San Antonio Recovery Center (SARC)
It is never too late to seek help. At SARC, we ensure that every client receives intensive care, medical attention, and holistic support throughout the recovery process. From detox to aftercare, we provide a comprehensive range of services and therapies to match each client’s unique needs and specific wellness goals. With both residential and outpatient treatment programs on offer, we strive to create a safe, comfortable and welcoming space for all our patients.
Begin your healing journey today by calling us at 866.957.7885.