Substitute Addictions :-(

Now this is a topic that makes people want to pull the covers over their heads. Or else whine, “Well at least I’m not drinking!”  But it is still a topic worthy of conversation because it can develop into something that undermines sobriety and creates a relapse risk.

Many times in recovery people develop substitute addictions – it might be something positive at first (like starting to exercise to be healthy) then develop into a compulsive, unhealthy thing (like compulsive exercise until you look like skeletor have constant shin splints, and obsess about exercise when you aren’t exercising).

Alas, I’m not one to pick up a healthy alternative like exercise anyway. I’m more likely to eat more, or watch too much TV. 

I guess the important thing is knowing when you’re crossing a line from normal behavior into something unhealthy or self-destructive.  I personally find that I recognize this when I start to feel like the activity or behavior is an escape from dealing with life, much like alcohol seemed like an escape.   Little warning bells go off: you are becoming way too anti-social and you really don’t need to watch every TV show ever made.

Basically I consider a substitute addiction any behavior or action that is taken to an extreme on a regular basis and becomes a pervasive part of my daily thoughts. If I’m obsessing and have anxiety if I think I can’t do it – or might have to do something else (like spend time with the human race), it’s a substitute addiction and I need to go back to recovery basics.