Addiction

**Client: “Well that’s everything... What else is there left to eat?”

See where I’m going... It’s a pattern of bad and unnecessary habits and behaviours. Good news is, you are perfect and can do whatever you set your mind to do. Okay, granted, it’s not going to be easy breaking habits that you’ve been trained to do for many years, but it’s doable.

Personally, I’ve dealt with almost every type of addiction, from eating disorders to over training, from smoking to drinking, but all at still manageable levels. Meaning, I would replace an addiction by another addiction, until I found the best or most beneficial to my health... Yes, food and exercise will always be a bit of a struggle, but my excuse is... At least it’s healthy.

Hem, Hem! There is the classic response. Blame it on something else!

But, how can I change or fix this issue? First, you need to understand how it happens in the first place.

There is no single cause of addiction and it can be hard to figure out why some people become addicted and others don’t. Researchers believe that there are several factors that can influence the development of addiction.

Your brain: Substances and activities that are associated with addiction all increase the levels of a chemical messenger called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine activates the pleasure and reward areas of the brain, making you feel positive and good. Because these feelings are pleasurable, you want to repeat the behaviour that created the feeling.

Childhood experiences: Some traumatic childhood experience (e.g., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse) can trigger addiction when people seek comfort or an escape from the pain of past experiences. Young adults also may have friends who use alcohol and other drugs, and peer influence can lead to experimenting with addictive substances.

Mental health: Addiction is more common in people with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. It is thought that people with mental health issues use addictive substances or activities to help them feel better, but in fact, the opposite happens.

Stress and coping with feelings: Some people may turn to substances or activities to relieve stress or help them cope with certain situations and feelings. Feelings of not belonging as a result of race, gender, or ethnicity can cause people to turn to addictive substances for relief.

However, there are ways that can help safeguard your efforts by:

— Having positive role models such as parents, teachers, or family friends;

— Having a supportive and involved family;

— Having plans for the future, “A.K.A. goals”;

— Being involved in sports and other activities (keeping busy);

— Learning about ways to deal with your urges, wants, and needs;

— Getting the proper tools to fight back.

I know this was a hard subject to bring up, but know that first, you need to realize that certain behaviours are not beneficial to your health and life. Second, you have to take control of the situation. Third, you’re not alone...

An addiction is not a disease but rather a disorder... It’s the easy way out of having to face the real issue at hand. Get the help you need and become the best you, you can be.

You can do it, and we can help. For more information write to physikinaction@gmail.com or call me to schedule an appointment 450-243-4162. Together we can grab the bull by the horns and get you back on top. Love you! Coach Cat xox