How to Avoid Second Round Addiction

Second hand addiction is a substitute addiction that some pick up when they are in recovery. Common second hand addictions are over eating, anorexia, bulimia, exercise, gambling, spending, and work. The difficult part of these types of addictions is some may not really appear as an addiction such as work and exercise and thought socially acceptable. Some may not even realize they are replacing one addiction with another or do so under the guise of being a necessity, not an addiction.

So how does one know if they are substituting one addiction for another? Start by first being honest with yourself and ask yourself if new behavior is escalating. What purpose is it serving? Is it distracting you from feeling – masking feelings such as fear, loneliness, anxiety, anger, inadequacy? Is the time being used in the new behavior an excuse to not accept social invites or try new things?

Your addiction that led you to recovery had tattletale signs that marked it as an addiction. If you are feeling that your new behavior is your addiction disease immerging again in just a new form, you have picked up a second hand addiction.

Just like before recovery, when you had to own up to your addiction, you need to do so again. Say it aloud and tell someone else. Do not allow yourself to slip back into denial or minimize the problem. There is no shame in admitting that we have picked up a second hand addiction nor is it uncommon. However, what is important is that you do something about it when you realize that your new behavior is no longer a healthy one for you.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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