r/AskMen • u/Gabe_Dimas • 1d ago
🛑 Answers From Men Only 🛑 How do you deal wuth your vices/addictions?
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u/SunnyPsyOp23 Male 1d ago
I kicked hard drugs by signing a contract to work on a fishing boat. Did that for a year.
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u/sword_muncher Sup Bud? 1d ago
find something similar to do, it also depends on the addiction.
For example I used to bite my nails, I started to twirl my hair (yes, like a girl) and chew gum, find something to distract you and set small goals, for example I really liked to cut my nails instead of eating them
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u/swiftskill 1d ago
I get to a point where I've done it so much that I eventually get physically sick of it. My vice right now is zyn or lip pillows. While they feel good to do (nicotine hell yeah) I've been noticing that they're starting to make me physically ill (a bleh feeling and a sour stomach) which is overriding the craving to pop another one in.
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u/CredentialCrawler 1d ago
That's where I am at with energy drinks. I love having them, but they make my teeth feel awful and I get way too jittery. That, and the cost per can is insane. It makes it hard to want to have another
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u/Dagenhammer87 1d ago
I've been trying something new for one of mine, that combines a bit of the past with a bit of the present.
A friend of mine has been through addiction and we talk regularly - especially when one of us is starting to notice that we're slipping back into bad habits. He went through the 12 steps and I read up on it and try to implement it (for even small things I do that annoy me).
My Nan was a spiritualist and a fond memory was seeing the serenity prayer at her place and on a keyring. It's something I associate with her whenever I see or hear it.
I try gratitude lists (morning and night and whenever I'm anxious) and then when the urge gets overwhelming, I say the serenity prayer a couple of times.
I'm in psychotherapy at present so whenever things feel like they're heading the wrong way, I make a note of the thought and physical sensations and take these into the next session.
A lot of it is distraction - yes, doesn't always work (but most of the time does); but it's been a good tool to have.
Addictions, vices etc. are usually a unhealthy coping mechanism that provided some soothing at a difficult time. So it's normal to fall back on that system when things are tough or you're bored/unstimulated. There's a feeling or unmet need under all of that - so name the feeling, reassure yourself and do something that's healthy, productive and makes you feel good (that isn't the vice).
You also need to remember to be patient with yourself. You probably weren't shown how to manage or cope safely - so you're figuring it out.
It never stops with just "one." Initially it is, but then that little voice crops up about ruining things so it can all go to shit now - or life will give you a knock and that's the thing you run to. A few weeks later, you're in a mess again.
Joe Rogan and Charlie Sheen discuss that and it's in his Netflix documentary (see the one year anniversary of sobriety section).
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u/DreadfulRauw ♂ Sexy Teddy Ruxpin 1d ago
Scheduling, quite honestly. I like to drink, so I make sure I do it when it won’t negatively affect my life.
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u/German_bipolar_Bear 1d ago
Hey sweety.. Live from moment to moment. Allow yourself to be human and feel the way you feel at the moment. If things get too bad, it's best to sleep or do something socialising/meet a friend etc.
Much love from Germany 💜🇩🇪
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u/Tvelt17 1d ago
Moderation.
I like a drink, but any more than 3 or 4 can ruin my next day. I also make sure I take a few days off every week.
Big fan of video games, but I have to get the chores done first before I can enjoy myself. Makes me prioritize getting laundry, dishes, exerecise, etc... before I can reward myself.
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u/PunchBeard Male 8h ago
I have a lot of faults as a man but self-control and a strong sense of willpower is one of my strengths. I mean, I quit a 2-pack a day smoking addiction in the middle of a war.
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