A 40-year-old member asked:
I get addicted to anything that relieves boredom/depression what can i do?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Cecilia Alailimaanswered
General Practice 35 years experience
Healthy variety of : Lifestyle choices that stimulate the mind and body (eg. Meditation, exercise, singing, dancing, crafts, cooking, traveling, reading, hiking, social networking) is a powerful way to deal with mild blues or depression - these are normal states and often turn around with a few days or weeks without drugs. Identify stressors at work or home, and deal with them responsibly. Create a smile from within.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Cecilia Alailima commented
General Practice 35 years experience
Provided original answer
If substance abuse and addiction are the issue, nothing will change until you are honest with yourself and deal directly with the drug problem with professional support. Drugs of abuse directly dis-regulate the brain and contribute to the development of more severe depression, anxiety and disfunction. Redirect your focus -rebuilding your sense of joy in healthy habits takes daily practice
Dec 12, 2011
Dr. David Milleranswered
Family Medicine 12 years experience
Join a support group: A person who is easily addicted may have issues that run deeper than boredom and depression. Addiction is often an attempt to "fix" something that we feel is "broken" by applying something in excess that makes us feel better. It is helpful to find a group such as celebrate recovery, which helps people struggling with a variety of "hurts, habits and hang-ups" and welcomes a great variety of people.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joan Syanswered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Believe In Yourself: Realize your gifts and start helping and working with others who are in more need than you. Pay it forward. Utilize your talents and treasures, know your self-worth and find happiness within yourself w.O relying on external factors. Depression and addiction tendancies are a chemical imbalance. If you cannot will yourself better get help, it is often familial and steals your life away.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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