So, are addictions simply a form of bad habits? 

First, let’s look at what an addiction is and how it affects us.

An addiction is a chronic dysfunction of the brain system that involves reward, motivation, and memory. It is about the way your body craves a substance or behaviour, especially if it causes a compulsive or obsessive pursuit of “reward” and lack of concern over consequences.

Someone experiencing an addiction will:

• be unable to stay away from the substance or stop the addictive behaviour
• display a lack of self-control
• have an increased desire for the substance or behaviour
• dismiss how their behaviour may be causing problems
• lack an emotional response

Over time, addictions can seriously interfere with our daily life. People experiencing addiction are also prone to cycles of relapse and remission.

This means they may cycle between intense and mild use. Despite these cycles, addictions will typically worsen over time.

They can lead to permanent health complications and serious consequences like bankruptcy.

That is why it’s important for anyone who is experiencing addiction to seek help.

ere is HHa dfadfnasdfjasdfkjaksldfjHere is a list of resources online where you can get help.

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/substance-misuse-and-addiction/

https://au.reachout.com/tough-times/addiction

https://www.turningpoint.org.au/

https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/

Habits and Addictions and the Difference!

The words “habit” and “addiction” are frequently interchanged, but there is one significant difference between the two.

Habits can be negative or positive, while addictions are only negative.

The trick to identifying often lies in the amount of time and effort it takes to break one.

Habit Good or Bad What is it?

Habits begin with a “loop” based on a reward system.

A cue or trigger tells the brain to go on autopilot while performing a routine. If the brain benefits from the routine, it will continue to do the action.

For example, in the morning when your alarm goes off it may be your trigger that is when you may drink coffee your normal morning routine.

This is your morning coffee that the body believes wakes you up and gives you a boost which makes you feel like your reward.

Likewise, after a stressful day you may look forward to a glass of wine or cold beer which is your trigger and has become your routine because it helps you relax which is your reward.

Reference: https://journeypureriver.com/addiction-vs-habit/

How Long Does it take to form a Habit?

Developing habits can range from 18 days to almost a full year at 254 days.

The average time for most people, however, is just 66 days.

Some studies said that it takes 21 days to break a habit, depending on the reasons it became a habit, and the neuropeptide connections in the brain.

Habits that become a substitute for something else, such as when food becomes a comfort mechanism rather than nutrients.

It can be difficult to break without resolving the underlying reason it began.

When Habits become Addictions.

When the brain believes a harmful substance is beneficial, habits become addictions.

This is due to a physiological connection. The brain rewires the “bad” habit as useful and vital to the user in certain circumstances.

Drinking a glass of wine or alcohol after a rough day at work, when done only occasionally and in moderation, may be a harmless habit.

When it becomes a daily necessity and when one glass becomes multiple glasses. 

When there is additional stress or anxiety and unable to obtain a drink of alcohol, then the habit has become an addiction.

Some habits or social behaviours look like addiction. But in the case of an addiction, a person will typically react negatively when they don’t get their “reward.”

For example, someone addicted to coffee can experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms such as severe headaches and irritability.

Addictions also reveal themselves in the “addict” or abuser’s relationships.

There may be conflict and negative impacts on family, spiritual relationships, and friendships.

There may be job difficulties along with financial or legal problems.

Reference:  https://journeypureriver.com/addiction-vs-habit/

Here is a list of resources online where you can get help.

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/substance-misuse-and-addiction/

https://au.reachout.com/tough-times/addiction

https://www.turningpoint.org.au/

Addictions are they simply bad habits?

What are the signs?

Most signs of addiction relate to a person’s impaired ability to maintain self-control. This includes changes that are:

• social, such as seeking out situations that encourage a substance or behaviour
• behavioural, such increased secrecy
• health related, such as insomnia or memory loss
• related to personality

Someone with an addition won’t stop their behaviour, even if they recognize the problems the addiction is causing. In some cases, they’ll also display a lack of control, like using more than intended.

Some behaviour and emotional changes associated with addiction include:

• unrealistic or poor assessment of the pros and cons associated with using substances or behaviours
• blaming other factors or people for their problems
• increased levels of anxiety, depression, and sadness
• increased sensitivity and more severe reactions to stress
• trouble identifying feelings
• trouble telling the difference between feelings and the physical sensations of one’s emotions

Learn to recognize the signs of addiction »

For more information on the causes , stages and support visit: 

https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction#causes

Reference:  https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction#causes

How long does it take to break a habit?

The main evidence-backed time frame for habit breaking comes from 2009 research, which suggests it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days.

This study looked at 96 adults who wanted to change one specific behaviour.

One person formed a new habit in just 18 days, but the other participants needed more time.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-break-a-habit

What is the 21- 90 rule?

One popular method to build habits is called the 21/90 rule.

The rule is simple enough. Commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days.

After three weeks, the pursuit of that goal should have become a habit.

Once you’ve established that habit, you continue to do it for another ninety days.

Why is 21 days a habit?

Dr. Maxwell Maltz was a plastic surgeon in the 1950s when he began noticing a strange pattern among his patients.

When Dr. Maltz would perform an operation — like a nose job, for example, he found that it would take the patient about 21 days to get used to seeing their new face.

Getting used to a new experience does share some similarities with making personal changes, but it’s not entirely the same thing.

Breaking a habit tends to involve more consistent, conscious effort.

Habituation, on the other hand, involves something you’ve already modified (such as your physical features) or something you can’t control (the loss of a limb).

You might get used to these more quickly because there’s not much else you can do.

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-break-a-habit#21-days-myth

How can I change my life in 90 days?

The 21/90 rule states that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change.

Is there a new lifestyle change you would like to make?

Commit to your goal for 21 days and it will become a habit.

Commit to y   our goal for 90 days and it will become a part of your lifestyle.

21/90: Set your goal

Decide what you want to accomplish or change. This could be a personal or professional goal.

Write it down in your planner or keep it on your laptop. Make sure it is visible to you so you can remain present and focused on your goal.

Don’t be afraid of starting from the beginning, everyone must pass GO!

21/90: Make a plan

Plan out the steps you intend to take to reach your goal.

 If your goal is being more active, you might decide to try three new activities this week or plan on calling your friend who often goes running.

Setting out times and dates are helpful ways to set yourself up for success and will help you to build habits.

Making plans with people who share your goal is a sure way to stay motivated.

21/90: Focus

Keep it focused, you can’t do EVERYTHING.

Focus on building one small habit at a time, the rest will follow.

21/90: Commit

You need to stay committed to your goal if you want to build a habit and eventually change your lifestyle.

The 21/90 rule only works if you consistently stick to your plan, the days must be consecutive.

If you think you’ll have trouble committing, set boundaries.

For example, if you need to take a day off make sure you don’t miss two in a row.

Record your progress as you go and see the changes over the months.

21/90: Repeat

Rinse and repeat! The 21/90 rule can be used again and again to achieve your goals, build habits and change your lifestyle. Start small but think big.

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible – Tony Robbins.

Reference:

https://www.activeiron.com/2020/01/10/the-21-90-rule-make-life-better/