You keep telling yourself that you can stop whenever you want to right? Well, it may not be as easy as you think. There are addictions out there where people don’t believe they are addicted and that just makes it harder to break the addiction. Here are a few things that you may want to watch out for:
1. Social Media
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…you know the rest. New studies show that you might be among the 10% of social media users who really are hooked. The random pace of posts affects your brain the same way that cocaine does. Sharing details about yourself with others also creates a rush of positive feelings that leaves you wanting more.
2. Masturbation
Can’t stop pleasing yourself — or looking at porn? Doing it more, enjoying it less, and risking too much to do it? Maybe you have a strong sex drive. But there could be much more going on that you’re not letting on. If you have hypersexual disorder, your brain may be wired like that of someone with a drug or gambling problem.
3. Tattoos
Tattooing becomes problematic when it exceeds one’s ability to control it. That is, even in the face of no longer wanting tattoos, one continues getting them to resolve an impulse. Internal dialogue may become a vicious debate in which the impulse always wins. Despite all logic and reason, tattooing continues despite personal and social consequences.
Signs that getting tattoos is becoming a problematic behavior include but are not limited to:
Spending too much money on tattoos
Struggling to find employment due to professional appearance concerns
Health consequences (i.e., allergic reactions, skin infections, bloodborne diseases)
No longer finding meaning or appreciation in tattoos on one’s body
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4. Exercise
A good workout can help you get over addictions, just as long as you don’t become hooked on the activity itself. Exercise helps your brain learn, which can speed recovery. But are you chasing that perfect body or…