Substitute Addictions
When you have a gambling addiction, or any other addiction for that matter, it becomes very easy to substitute addictions. As a matter of fact, substitute addictions are very common, and can occur when you least expect it.
When you have a gambling addiction and you begin to abstain, an abundance of emotions start to come up. This is totally normal, however, it can be quite painful as well.
While you are actively engaging in addictive behavior, you tend to numb out your feelings. If you have a gambling problem, your attention is most likely on your addiction and not on any troubling emotional feelings you may have.
If you are active in your gambling addiction, you are most likely preoccupied with the high of gambling, your next gambling excursion, or how to obtain funds to finance your gambling.
While you are abstaining from your problem, however, your true emotions and thoughts begin to come through. These buried thoughts and feelings are the feelings that you have been hiding through your addictive behavior.
If you do not have a strong support system such as a counselor or therapist or a good support group, it becomes very easy to become overwhelmed with these buried emotions.
Once anxiety or that old friend depression start to surface, it becomes very easy to substitute addictions. Turning to food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, or sex can happen in an instant and it can truly stop the recovery process from happening.
It is best to be aware of the occurrence of substitute addictions when you stop gambling. Awareness can help you prevent a substitute addiction in its’ tracks.
Here are some tips to help you before you turn to a substitute addiction:
• Talk to your counselor or support group about your feelings so that you do not keep everything bottled up inside. • Read self ��"help literature as much as you can. It will help put you in a more positive mindset. • Do not isolate yourself. Make sure you keep busy. Loneliness is fuel for the addictive fire. • Make sure you eat properly and exercise daily. It is hard to be healthy and behave addictively at the same time! • Get a good night sleep every night as this will keep you thinking clearly and feeling good both physically and mentally.
Michelle Tee http://www.gamblingaddiction.tv
About the Author
Michelle Tee is author of "111 Tips To Help Beat Your Gambling Addiction and Reclaim Your Life" Founder of http://www.gamblingaddiction.tv
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