Can You Drink Alcohol On Levaquin? Health Insights
- 25. September 2023
- Sober living
A disulfiram-like reaction and a possible increased risk of hepatitis are potential concerns. Early in vitro studies suggested that metronidazole or its... Read More
A dopamine hit brings about pleasure and is then quickly followed by pain, or a come-down, in order to keep us motivated, says psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke. Ultimately, Lembke says, this is a universal problem – not one limited to those of us struggling with the disease of addiction – that has come with living in https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ modern life. And to restore our sanity, collectively we must rethink how to navigate a dopamine overloaded world.
Ultra-processed foods concentrate ingredients like refined carbs (e.g., sugar, white flour) and fats far beyond what occurs naturally. This amplifies the “dose” of reward, much like how refining coca leaves into cocaine makes the drug far more potent. When fat, sugar, salt, and other ingredients are combined in just the right ways—and processed to intensify their effects—they do more than just taste good. They work together to hijack your brain’s reward system, making these foods nearly impossible to resist. It may feel counterintuitive, but there are plenty of apps designed to help you spend less time on your devices. Apps like Forest grow virtual trees while you stay focused, while tools like Freedom or AppBlock temporarily block access to addictive sites or apps.
Many people struggling with addiction find that their days lack structure, which can lead to boredom and cravings. A well-organised daily routine can help fill the void left by your addiction and provide you with a sense of control and purpose. Your environment plays a significant role in your addiction.
Remember to set milestones and celebrate achievements, which reinforces dedication and progress toward a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle. Combining these approaches can lead to improved overall health. Research shows that reducing alcohol consumption lowers the risk of heart disease, enhances mood, and contributes to better sleep quality. Take a moment to write down these motivations and keep them visible. You can use sticky notes, a journal, or even a digital document.
In short, Lembke says, almost every behavior has become “drugified.” The negative consequences affect many areas of a person’s life, including relationships, work, finances, mental health, physical health. Recovery takes time, motivation, and support, but most importantly, commitment to change. Nobody says recovery is easy, and for many, facing their worst nightmares is not something they want to deal with.
It’s vital to have strategies in place to keep motivation high. Effective methods include setting clear drinking goals and regularly revisiting the reasons behind your decision to quit. Keeping a drinking diary not only tracks progress but also acts as an accountability tool. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your journey can provide the encouragement needed during challenging times. As you celebrate each success, remember to focus on the myriad benefits of sobriety, such as improved relationships, better health, and enhanced energy levels. Even though it can be a challenge, the benefits of overcoming addiction far outweigh any perceived benefits of continuing substance use.
It’s common for people with addictions to depend on their addiction to cope with stress. This is why it is so important to have other ways of coping firmly established, ideally before quitting. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addiction recovery. Lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medications, and mutual support groups may sober house all play a role in your treatment, but it is important to find the approach that works best for your needs.
That said, I’ve also found that the moments when I’m most present—completely untethered from my screen—are the ones where I feel the most alive. But getting there takes intentional effort, and I’ve learned that it’s not about quitting tech altogether but finding ways to use it without letting it use me. But at the same time, you don’t want to negate the benefits of the dry month you successfully observed. By being aware of this potential change, however, you can reframe it as a positive, Dr. Wakeman says. Now, post–Dry January, you might get the same effect from, say, one or two drinks in a sitting, which would be a win for both your health and your wallet.
This not only boosts your morale but also reinforces your commitment to staying sober. Addiction is not just a physical dependency; it often has deep psychological roots. Working with professionals, such as therapists and addiction specialists, can help you address the underlying emotional issues driving the addiction. Merely taking part helped people reduce their alcohol drinking by as much as 70% in the consecutive months after January, the University of Sussex found.
Overcoming addiction, they thought, involved punishing miscreants or, alternately, encouraging them to muster the will to break a habit. For many years, experts believed that only alcohol and powerful drugs could cause addiction. Neuroimaging technologies and more recent research, however, have shown that certain pleasurable activities, such as gambling, shopping, and sex, can also co-opt the brain. Many people try to cope with their urges by toughing it out. When this happens, it can be useful to stay with the urge until it passes. Imagine yourself as a surfer who will ride the wave of your drug craving, staying on top of it until it crests, breaks, and turns into less powerful, foamy surf.
By formalizing your thoughts, you solidify your commitment to change. This can also make it easier to reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories as you navigate your journey. Remember, knowing your “why” can help you stay focused during difficult moments. Remember to reach out to your friends, family, and other loved ones for support, too. They can help you create an environment that will set you up for success and remove unnecessary temptations. You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink.
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