Today, I’m reflecting on addiction and how much of it feels like a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you’re told that quitting is impossible or requires a miracle, the easier it becomes to believe that. I experienced this with alcohol, and now I’m seeing the same exaggerated beliefs about smoking. But the truth? Addiction might not be as overpowering as we’ve been led to believe.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that addiction, in many cases, isn’t some all-powerful force. It’s a mental game. Slip-ups happen. They’re part of the process, not an indication of failure. When you view addiction as this unbeatable mountain, every slip feels like proof that you can’t climb it. But what if the mountain isn’t as steep as it seems?
Right now, I’m sitting here listening to meditation music, and I’ve got no cravings at all. Not a single one. That’s when it hit me: maybe these cravings are psychosomatic—created by my mind because I expect them. The idea that I’ll inevitably crave a cigarette is so ingrained that my body responds accordingly, almost like a reflex.
Society, to some extent, plays a role in exaggerating the difficulty of overcoming addiction. We’re bombarded with messages about how hard it is to quit smoking or drinking. These warnings might help prevent some people from starting, but for those of us already dealing with addiction, they can reinforce the false belief that quitting is nearly impossible. It’s like society is telling us, “Good luck, you’re going to need a miracle.” But here’s the thing: you don’t.
It’s not about waiting for some life-altering breakthrough. It’s about recognizing the mental games we play with ourselves, the power of our thoughts, and how much of this battle is fought in the mind. Cravings come and go, but they don’t have to control you. They can be fleeting moments, not overwhelming urges. Meditation, mindfulness, or even a simple change in perspective can work wonders.
So, I’m choosing to look at this journey differently. Slip-ups? They don’t mean I’m failing. They’re just bumps in the road. And the road doesn’t end there. The more I see smoking as something I can quit, the more likely I am to actually quit. It’s about reshaping the narrative—telling myself that it can be done, that I am capable.
Yes, addiction is real, but so is the power of the mind to overcome it. The exaggerated beliefs that keep us feeling stuck don’t have to define us. Just as I overcame alcohol by seeing through the illusion of needing it, I can do the same with smoking.
And maybe, just maybe, the cravings are less about the nicotine and more about the stories we’ve been told.
by Dan and Bonkers
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