How to buy yourself back

An article on addiction.

We're all drawn to something. It's human nature, really. I've often thought, “You can't not be addicted to something.” Maybe I read that somewhere, maybe I made it up while imagining you quoting me �" who knows? But think about it: we crave connection, stimulation, something. Whether it's coffee, a good book, or a social media scroll, we find things we latch onto.

Now, is this scientifically proven? Maybe. If not, what are the scientists doing? Jokes aside, the point is that we have attachments. However, understanding why we gravitate towards them is important. I believe that if we can know and understand how we tick, we can untick ourselves at will. Because let's face it, we're all a little addicted to something. As humans, we have an inherent nature of getting attached to something. It’s probably why we fall in love. We need to fixate part of our entirety on something else, and I don’t blame us; we’re too complex to be left unaided. My point being; our nature has left us vulnerable to “need,” and it’s where addiction comes in.

What is addiction? The dictionary says something about ‘being attached to something.’ I had to look that up, as simple as it is. But here's the thing: Addiction doesn’t have to be bad or good; it’s still what it is. Bet you knew that.  It’s why I’m not here to bore you with my theories, I’m here to bore you with tips that might rectify wrong habituation.

Admit it!

We often associate addiction with drugs and alcohol, but the reality is, addiction can manifest in various forms. It's not just about illicit substances; it's about any behavior or substance that we become overly reliant on to cope or feel normal. Take, for example, the daily coffee ritual. A lot of us start our day with a cup of coffee, and for some, it becomes more than just a beverage. It becomes a crutch, a way to feel alert and functional. If you find yourself unable to function without that morning coffee, you might be dealing with a form of addiction.

The key is to recognize the signs and avoid denial. If you find yourself craving something to the point where it somehow disrupts you, it's time to take a closer look. Don't downplay it or convince yourself that it's not a big deal. Addiction, even in its mildest form, can have a significant impact on your life. Remember that prevention is key. Be mindful of your habits and behaviors. If you notice any signs of dependence, address them early on. Don't wait for things to spiral out of control. Take control of your habits and live a balanced life.

Understand the downside 

Understanding the damages of what you may be addicted to can help you cringe from your “round-the-clock” habit. Of course, we know everything has an advantage and a disadvantage, and with this knowledge, you might as well pay attention to the disadvantages as this could help you

 

In doing so: 

1.  Ignore perceived advantages. When evaluating a situation or decision, don't focus on the potential benefits that might seem appealing at first glance. Instead, take a step back and consider the potential drawbacks and risks.

2.  Research potential consequences. Before making a decision or engaging in a particular activity, thoroughly investigate the potential negative impacts it could have on your physical, mental, emotional, or financial well-being.

3.  Don't delude yourself into thinking you can handle it. Avoid the temptation to underestimate the potential challenges or difficulties associated with a particular situation or activity. Be honest with yourself about your limitations and the potential consequences of your actions.

Ultimately, the goal is to make responsible decisions by carefully considering all aspects of a situation, so that you are not swayed by perceived advantages or wishful thinking.

Don’t rush it

“Poco a poco," an Italian phrase, meaning "little by little," often used in music to describe the gradual increase or decrease in volume or tempo. However, I always felt this concept of slow and steady progress can be applied to many areas of life, including personal growth and change. When embarking on a journey of self-improvement, it's important to remember that rushing the process can be counterproductive. If you take things slow and steady, you most likely will attain a successful outcome. For example, if you're trying to break a bad habit, maybe you have that frequent Coca-Cola consumption thing, it's best to gradually reduce your intake rather than quitting cold turkey. 

In short, "poco a poco" is a valuable reminder to embrace the power of slow and steady progress in all areas of life.

Get a distraction 

Breaking free from habitual routines can be challenging, but I know it’s not not impossible. I would know this because I have been a victim of depending on a certain substance. There was a time in my life I was addicted to Coca-Cola, but now I’m grateful I’m no longer a slave to my former master. What I did to get rid of the addiction was follow the first steps I previously suggested. I admitted to myself that I was an addict and that I needed help. I understood the negative effect it was having in my life and sort to eradicate it. I took things slow and the final thing that helped was a distraction. 

One effective strategy is to find a distraction that helps you break free from your usual pattern. This distraction should be something that captures your attention and diverts your focus away from your habitual routine. For me, I started drinking lots of water, and I stayed hydrated. I couldn’t go wrong with that.

When you find a distraction that truly engages you, it can help you break free from the grip of your habit. If you're trying to break free from excessive television watching, for example, reading a book or a graphic novel can be a great distraction. It provides a different form of entertainment that can capture your attention and reduce your screen time. But, don’t let your distraction become a new addiction. Try to keep it simple, choose a distraction that is easy to engage in and doesn't require a lot of effort or preparation, something that is enjoyable but not overly stimulating or time-consuming. Avoid distractions that are too similar to your old habit. For example, if you're trying to reduce your screen time, playing video games might not be the best option.

So there you go! These are just a bunch of 'helpful' tips that you can use. These are the tricks that helped me. So, like Dobby receiving a sock, you too can find freedom from your master. I never thought I’d use Harry Potter to teach life lessons. But yeah, these methods might be your 'sock,' your ticket to breaking free.  But if you think you’re good with being enslaved to something small-scale as soda, or maybe even coffee, that’s your cup of tea.

Reviews

[MayHeartsYou]

I opened because I expected this to be relatable, and it is, but not in the way I thought. It's relatable in the sense that I feel like I could have written something similar at my own stage in life. "Addiction" is a poignant word to me. I expected an equally emotional story about someone's struggles and what worked for them in moving forward. Instead this is a lighthearted, business-like breakdown of concepts necessary for overcoming yourself. Like patience, acceptance, and healthy redirection. It was quite refreshing. Really well written and I like the upbeat feeling you put behind it with your light humor and wit. Great job!

[Micah Orchid]

I enjoyed reading this, it mirrors my own opinion on addiction and how we are all addicted to something in some way. Thank you for adding tips on how to break free from addiction.

[Ugo]

Good read! It’s usually what is overlooked that has the most pull on your life.

[Davidgeo]

Dopamine. However you can induce your brain to produce dopamine on the regular. That is how you "buy" yourself back.