In our daily life, we all follow certain routines, which we execute each time, knowingly or unconsciously. We mostly ignore the slight difference between habits and addiction. While some of us have a habit of exercising daily, others may play a game. We do these things unconsciously; hence, they become a habit after some time. In the same way, most of us are glued to our smartphones until midnight, and we don't even realise when we get addicted to it. These are really common and relatable to all of us.
While it takes an ample amount of time to build a habit, addiction has an even easier way to it. There's a constant urge for more and more when we get addicted to something. Now, the question arises: how do we understand the distinction between these two phenomena?
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Ways to Identify the Difference Between Habits and Addictions
There is a very thin line between habit and addiction. People fail to realise when a habit becomes an addiction. They don't recognise it sooner. If we identify those unhealthy habits and addictions, it will solve many of our problems. It is very important to recognise the distinction between the identification of unhealthy habits and harmful addictions.
When someone starts losing control of their habit, it may indicate an addiction. We can take control of our habits, but this does not apply to addiction. For hours, we scroll Instagram, even after knowing it is wasting our precious time. We tend to lose track of time. The one hour on Day 1 increases to 3 hours on Day 5, and so on. If we don't get access to the thing or stop doing it, our mind becomes restless and starts to show withdrawal symptoms. The unstoppable need to do it repeatedly can lead to any extent of lying and manipulation. People defend their unhealthy habits and addictions by making meaningless justifications.
Symptoms of Habits Turning into Addictions
Your habits may turn into addictions before you know it. The distinction between habits and addictions is extremely hazy. If we continue to do something knowing that it will harm you work, relations and a lot more, you are 'My friend' getting addicted to it. You pass your time engaging in the habit and make excuses for continuing it after millions of restrictions. Say your mother warns you every day about the consequences of using mobile phones for a long time; instead of agreeing with her, you justify your screen time by making excuses.
The noticeable difference between habits and addiction must not be ignored in the initial stages. You lose track of time and get annoyed by anything restricting you from engaging in the habit. A person who used to smoke two cigarettes in a day now has become a chain smoker or someone who constantly gets engaged in online shopping. Many people don't even realise the slow change and the difference between habits and addictions. These are obvious signs that your habits are slowly turning into an addiction.
How to Be in Control?
People cannot change their habits all of a sudden. It takes patience to transform oneself. Maybe replace it with a good habit, like writing a journal, painting, etc. One must know the reason behind the change. For example, if you wanna quit smoking, it means you are becoming health conscious. You need to reward yourself for making a change. There will be days when you want to get your addiction back. One must be constantly aware of their goal.
Addictions are harmful, and one may experience withdrawal symptoms. But we have to overcome all these things to recover. It will take an ample amount of time to complete the process. The crucial part of the process is to recognise the stark difference between habits and addictions.
How to Treat Addictions?
If a bad habit or addiction has gone totally out of control, one must be treated as soon as possible. Here are some ways to get rid of it. One can choose to go to a rehabilitation centre if they are a drug addict, chain smoker, and so on. They will be provided with medications and counselling as well.
Nowadays, there are options for therapy as well, where an individual can opt for a treatment within the comfort of their home. There are recovery support groups as well, which will provide you with guidance to overcome your addiction. There have been a lot of changes in people with an addiction after connecting with these groups. Meeting with people dealing with similar problems helps people to be motivated. The journey is tough, but the destination is fruitful.
Conclusion
It becomes really important for us to identify our BAD habits and addictions as early as possible. The inability to identify the difference between habits and addiction can lead to unchangeable situations. Creating a safe environment around us becomes essential. Physical and mental health both get compromised in addiction. Surrounding yourself with positive vibes can make a lot of changes.
Your success in forming healthier habits and overcoming addiction will be aided by every tiny adjustment you make to create a supportive atmosphere. Limit your exposure to temptations and triggers, surround yourself with positive people, and look for responsibility. You'll be well on your way to long-lasting change with the correct attitude and surroundings. You now grasp the crucial difference between addictions and habits on a deeper level. Habits are healthy behaviours you can control and adjust to meet your needs and objectives. Keep that in mind. Contrarily, compulsive habits that negatively affect your life and are beyond your control are known as addictions.
FAQs
What is an example of a habit and addiction?
A habit can be anything from reading a book to attending school every day. At the same time, addiction is a negatively impactful habit like smoking or drinking, which can be harmful to your physical and mental health.
What is the difference between a habit and an obsession?
Habits can be stopped easily if you want to. Whereas obsession, as the name suggests, makes you inclined towards one thing to the extent that you cannot get rid of it, even if you want to.
Is alcohol an addiction or habit?
Consuming alcohol once in a while can be considered a habit. It becomes an addiction when the frequency increases slowly, say once a month to once a week and so on.
