All habits start with a benefit.

Sugar and caffeine give us an instant boost. Food, especially chemically conjured processed food and sugar, raises dopamine, the feel-good hormone in the reward center of our brain.  Alcohol stimulates gaba, relaxes us, removes inhibitions, and, when mixed with sugar, can be excitatory too.

All giving us instant rewards.  Every habit begins with a benefit.

But what happens when the benefits turn into addiction? What happens when we become more attached to our habits than other meaningful relationships such as the relationship with ourselves and our loved ones?

One example is when we use more than intended.

I know my own weaknesses. When I get stressed, I look for more control. I become an intense workaholic or codependent. I over-function, often to the detriment of my own health and well-being. When I am in this unbalanced state, there better not be chips or chocolate in the house because once I start eating them, there is no stopping me. I will eat the entire bag.

Can you relate?

Some habits start out as healthy.  I did hot Bikram Yoga for years. It taught me discipline and structure. I sweated out toxins in the 110 degree room but it also led to imbalances like mineral deficiencies and dry skin.

All medicines are poisonous, but it’s the dose that matters. The dose is either the medicine or the poison.

This is also true for food, sex, alcohol, nicotine or any other habit turned addiction.  Here’s what happens in the reward center of the brain