10 Hardest Things to Quit
They say too much of everything (no matter how good or useful that thing is) can be dangerous. Addiction is a serious health problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Whilst some people can quit easily, others could not. Here are 10 of the hardest addictive things to quit, ever!
Cigarettes
About 10 million people in Britain smoke, according to the anti-smoking charity Ash. Even tobacco manufacturers admit it – cigarettes are addictive. And despite the increasing awareness about the negative effects of smoking, some find it really hard to quit. The reason behind the addictive nature of cigarettes is nicotine. This substance creates changes in the ‘pleasure system’ of the brain by giving a sudden boost in the mood of the smoker.
Alcohol
There’s nothing wrong with drinking alcohol as long as moderation is observed. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, can be extremely dangerous. Aside from negatively affecting a person’s behaviour, it can also cause great damage to his or her body, particularly in the liver, heart and kidneys. Alcohol addiction is a form of addiction that can actually kill a person the moment he or she suddenly stops.
Love
Some people can easily quit cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, but not love. It is one of the hardest addictions to quit. As a matter of fact, love has caused more murders and suicides than any other addiction. Breaking up from a long-time partner, getting a divorce, or being emotionally or physically abused by a romantic partner can really have devastating effects on health and well-being. Relationship issues are among the usual cause of major depression in both men and women.
Heroin
Heroin is an opiate that stimulates the release of opioid receptors throughout the body and mimics the effects of endorphin – the feel-good chemicals in the brain. This leads to an instant feeling of pleasure and reduction in pain. But because the brain has lots of opioid receptors, injecting heroin makes it easier for the brain to become dependent. People addicted to this drug experience withdrawal symptoms once the intake is stopped.
Methadone
This drug is used to ease the withdrawal symptoms experienced by people who are trying to overcome their heroin addiction. The problem is – it can be addictive too! Tolerance to methadone is a sign that a person has already developed addiction to it.
Benzodiazepines
Psychoactive drugs that are used for treating anxiety disorder, depression, and other mental illnesses turned out to be addictive as well. Using them for more than a few months can already trigger drug dependence. Quitting may also produce undesirable withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, and more.
Crisps
Many people think they are just hungry for crisps. Little they know, they are already becoming addicted to it. A survey conducted by YouGov this April found that a third of British children eat crisps every day. The charity also revealed that Britons polish off six billion packets a year which is equivalent to a ton of crisps every three minutes or almost 100 packets per person. Aside from the sugar, salt and food additives that make crisps so good, their packaging also features attractive logos and bright colours that have been designed to make people develop addiction to these foods.
Amphetamines
Amphetamine is a stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. However, many people use it illegally. This drug causes rapid tolerance when used regularly and in high doses. Quitting cold turkey from amphetamine use can result to depression, anxiety and extreme fatigue.
Crack Cocaine
Processed crack cocaine causes a faster, higher rush that last for less than 10 minutes. This is why many people prefer it over the powdered cocaine. This drug exposes users to heart attack, stroke, and respiratory system failure – conditions that are so lethal they could cause sudden death.
Coffee
Don’t be surprised if missing your morning coffee gives you headache or makes it difficult for you to concentrate at work. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that as little as one small cup of coffee daily can lead to caffeine addiction. And the more caffeine consumed, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms can be.
Overcoming Addiction
There are many types of addiction and there are also plenty of treatments available. These are some pointers that will make the process easier for you:
Accept that there is a problem. Recognise that you have an addiction and cultivate the willingness to overcome it and change for the better.
Make positive lifestyle changes. Consider joining community groups where you can meet new friends who can influence you to overcome addiction and live a healthier lifestyle. Positive social interactions can make you feel good and determined to change.
Undergo therapy. There are addiction treatments that do not involve taking medications that are addictive as well. A professional therapist can help you determine the root causes of your addiction and how you can address them. Cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and life skills training are among the therapies that have proven successful in helping people combat addiction.
Get support from friends and family. These people may not have the solution to your addiction problems but they can give you the support you need to go through the quitting process successfully.
Addiction has proven over and over again how it can ruin the life of people. Not doing anything about it can lead to devastating consequences to one’s health, relationship and well-being.
©Copyright 2013 by http://www.naturaltherapyforall.com Hypnotherapy Coventry All Rights Reserved.