Some drugs are known to be socially accepted because people think they are not ‘really’ addictions. The challenge of changing perceptions is to notice how it impacts social relationships and a person’s life, including mental and physical health. Find out what some of the more socially ‘accepted’ addictions are and how to combat against them.

Wine is Alcohol

A misconception is floating around that wine is not ‘as alcoholic,’ or even that alcoholic to be lumped in with other drinks. It is, nonetheless, an alcoholic drink, which can cause side effects like intoxication, which can lead to wine addiction. The prevailing attitude toward wine is that is more sophisticated and ‘bourgeois’ than other alcoholic beverages like:

  • Beer
  • Lager
  • Whiskey
  • Tequila

This misconception has led people to look at it as a less expensive alternative drink. After all, it is even used in religious ceremonies, including weddings, and has a romanticized view among connoisseurs. The same can be said for ‘craft brews,’ but it still has not faced the stigma of other alcoholic beverages. This dangerous view can leave people at risk for drinking too much without realizing it.

Turning Work into Wine

People do not have to drink or use drugs to have an addiction. There are some socially accepted conditions people exist in that keep people locked into addiction. Some signs of turning work into wine and making it an addiction:

  • Spending more time at work than home
  • Going in on weekends and evenings to work
  • Missing family events or experiences for work
  • Friends and family call you a workaholic
  • Losing sleep or friends due to working so much

Work addiction is real and can spiral out of control quickly. To get harmony back in one’s life, it helps to get some other hobbies and focus on stepping away from work more to focus on health.

Exercising

Exercising too much, whether to lose weight, or burn off stress, can become addictive quickly. The common thread among all addictions is that they interfere with daily life. Drawing parallels between exercise habits and addictions can be difficult because it is hard to admit a problem exists. Obsessing over exercise can lead to severe body image issues, and fuel unhealthy eating habits.

Admitting an addiction is not easy but it is the best thing to do for overall health and wellness. Even if it doesn’t feel like addiction, if it is affecting your quality of life, or that of a loved one, it may be time to seek help.

Springboard Center’s addiction treatment programs can help you figure out what is going on in your life that is not working for you, even if you are uncertain yourself. Perhaps you know how you got here, perhaps not. We will help you sort it all out and find your healthy pathway out of addiction to recovery. Call us to find out more: 432-620-0255