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Your Teen’s Brain and Marijuana

Currently, more than half of the states in America legally allow the use of Marijuana in some form. The medical community has embraced the many benefits it can assist with alleviating pain and/or reducing disease in the body. Additionally, research has shown that in adults, marijuana can be helpful to the brain. However, when it comes to your teen’s brain and marijuana, the results may show differently.

The Teen Formula Book
The Teen Formula Book

Medical or Merry Marijuana?

Whatever your stance on marijuana use, the fact is that it’s available legally and illegally. According to Governing.com, “Thirty states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form.” And, as per an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, “Marijuana is the most commonly used “illicit” drug in the United States.”

So, whether it’s for medicinal or recreational purposes, there’s clearly a demand.

Regardless, it’s been widely recognized that marijuana may be an effective treatment for symptoms of various medical conditions. Some of them are:

  • Glaucoma
  • Nausea from chemotherapy drugs
  • Loss of appetite (improve appetite in patients with AIDS or anorexia nervosa)
  • Inflammation (reduce inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Parkinson’s, and many other diseases)
  • Chronic pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis

Your Adult Brain and Cannabinoids

Aside benefitting symptoms of clinical conditions, marijuana has also been proven to have neuroprotective agencies. Cannabinoids actually create new brain cell production and growth.

As we age, neurogenesis (the process of growing new brain cells) slows down. Some results of poor adult neurogenesis are: anxiety, stress, and depression. Marijuana aids in the growth of new cells in the hippocampus. This may be one reason why it has shown to be successful in treating particular mood disorders. 

The THC in marijuana has revealed to be a powerful antioxidant for the brain. Because of its neuroprotective properties, it can help clean away brain plaque. The build up of beta-amyloid plaque is one cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Along with Alzheimer’s, other neurodegenerative diseases like MS, Lou Gehrig’s, and Parkinson’s can also benefit from cannabis treatment.

Research has shown that marijuana also aids in attacking cancer cells. Conversely, it does not harm the healthy cells. Studies have provided evidence that cannabis may reduce tumors in the brain. Along with utilizing other therapies, marijuana treatment may halt or reverse the progression of some cancers.

Say NO to Brain Trauma and Sports

Most of the research and statistics compiled in regards to the benefits of your brain and marijuana is comprised mainly of adults. Your teen’s brain and marijuana may not react the same as we’ve discussed thus far. On the other hand, it may, but there isn’t nearly enough research or credibility to prove that it does. So, keep in mind, in this section we are sourcing cases solely involving adults.

Henceforth, laboratory studies have shown that cannabis may protect the brain from trauma. Research shows that damage to the brain from a force, a blow, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even stroke may be reduced due to marijuana use. Most importantly, cannabis helps reduce inflammation.

A concussion is trauma to the brain. As we are aware, many athletes are in danger of, or prone to, getting concussions. The antioxidants in cannabis plants can provide protection from neural inflammation. (And a concussion encompasses inflammation of the brain.) There are researchers who believe that certain properties of marijuana may assist in the brain recovering and repairing itself. The CBD in the marijuana may even be helpful—proactively!

CHECK THIS OUT: Evidently, the U.S. government currently has a patent on a non-psychoactive CBD. The intent would be to utilize it as a neuroprotective element—one that would limit brain damage after an accident involving head trauma. That’s a pretty cool bet on the healing properties of marijuana.

A Teen’s Brain and Marijuana is a Complicated Issue

For as much research and speculation, it is still not absolute that marijuana kills brain cells. In fact, as we learned for adults, cannabis helps create new ones. But, with teens the picture is different. The main reason is because the adolescent and teen brain is not fully developed. Most noteworthy, the rational part of the brain isn’t often developed until the age of 25.

The actual use of marijuana may or may not have any detrimental disturbances to the brain directly. Although, more research points to the concern that cannabis may affect the teen brain negatively. Brain-imaging studies sway experts towards the principle that “the teen’s brain and marijuana are not a positive combination.” 

Naturally, our nerve cells manufacture cannabinoids, from birth. These cannabinoids play a huge part in how the brain regulates our everyday habits such as: sleeping, eating, remembering, moving around, and our emotions.

When “outside” cannabis is introduced into the still-developing brain, it can create significant changes in those everyday habits. This is worrisome for medical experts because the brain can become wired in an unbalanced fashion in regards to those processes. This doesn’t look like a plus for marijuana teen use.

More Complications for Teens, Including Safety and Learning

It’s the young brain’s inability to make rational decisions that causes the most immediate danger. The prominent negative effects of short-term marijuana use by teens are:

  • impaired coordination (driving accidents, risk of increased injuries)
  • impaired short-term memory (prohibits learning and retaining new information)
  • practice of poor judgment (risk-taking behavior: unprotected sex, reckless driving, illegal activity, pushing the limits)

Part of the brain’s development during the teen years is the strengthening of executive function. One such function would be emotional self-control. Marijuana use may impede this strengthening process. Thus, the youngster may not develop this self-control mechanism as nature intended.

Aside from safety concerns, marijuana-use may plague learning. When under the influence of marijuana, there may be a heightened sense of creativity and flow. That’s terrific. However, it’s been proven that additionally, attention, learning, and memory become impaired. That’s not so fantastic.

It’s tough to build brainpower when the mind is still developing and besieged by a mind-altering substance.

A Teen’s Future…

Your teen’s brain and marijuana may not impact his/her future in a negative way. There are numerous studies that show very-little to no-changes in the brain later in life. And, there are many adults who can attest to having smoked pot as a teen and seem none-the-worse today for having partaken.

However, some of the studies that show negative long-term effects of young-age, marijuana-use are based on heavy, habitual use, starting as adolescents into adulthood. Those are real and can be serious. Some of those effects include:

  • addiction to marijuana or other substances
  • diminished lifetime achievements
  • motor vehicle accidents
  • anxiety and/or depression
  • chronic bronchitis

The brain is a phenomenally interesting and complex organ. It guides our body from head to toe. Its processes are affected by thousands of neurons, nerves, thoughts, cells, chemicals, and countless other elements. The bottom line is, “How much do you respect your brain?”

For adults with any semblance of gratitude for life, we bow up to the brain. And according to most sources, marijuana is not directly hurting this precious organ. So, using cannabis or not, as an adult, is a personal choice. But, when it comes to teens, their brains don’t have the ability yet to help them make the most appropriate choices. It has to be up to the adults to teach the young the facts. No one said it would be easy…

Check into Get Thrive when you’re looking for guidance or tips on best health for your family. Also, if this article resonates with you, you may want to  have a look at Dr. Campbell’s best selling book, The Teen Formula: A Parent’s Guide To Helping Your Child Avoid Substance Abuse HERE available in paperback or on Kindle.

Thank you for joining us today!

 

Sources:

https://herb.co/marijuana/news/7-ways-cannabis-great-brain

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-and-concussions/#gref

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-pot-really-does-to-the-teen-brain/

http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=3051

Eye Test May Identify Alzheimer’s Before Symptoms Appear

Researchers may have discovered a way to identify early Alzheimer’s using a device that examines eyes.

Seeing a Connection

A study out of the University of Minnesota has linked what can be happening in the brain through the use of an eye test. So far, there hasn’t been a way to detect the onslaught of Alzheimer’s before the physical and behavioral symptoms appear.

When Alzheimer’s strikes, the brain, and the eye’s retina undergo similar changes. Scientists understand that Alzheimer’s patients possess an amyloid plaque build-up in the brain. That build-up causes progressive cognitive and memory decline. Until now, there’s been no way to view when that build-up begins. That would be the extremely early stages of the disease.

Detecting the very early stages (before symptoms even appear) can be crucial in the advancement of Alzheimer’s treatment.

Eye Spy

The eye exam measures change in the reflection of light off of the retina. The patterns of light changed progressively as Alzheimer’s further sets in. The experiment was done with mice.

The retina and the brain are connected as part of the central nervous system. So, as changes in the retina occurred, the researchers noted similar changes happening in the brain. Using a specialized device, they could more readily view changes through the eyes.

Fighting Plaque

Dr. Robert Vince, director of the Center for Drug Design, noted, “This technology is a noninvasive way to identify Alzheimer’s disease before plaque is formed.” What this means is that we may be able to test medications on Alzheimer’s patients before it’s too late. By the time a patient displays symptoms and a doctor makes a diagnosis, the plaque has already built-up.

Using this retina-imaging device, researchers plan to begin human clinical trials. It’s a fascinating way to make an early diagnosis in a noninvasive and relatively inexpensive way. The hope is to bring us closer to developing a treatment—one that can stop the progression of the disease and its symptoms.

For other articles relating to up-to-date research, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other health conditions, check out www.GetThrive.com

 

Some Things to Know About Drug Abuse in Teenagers

Teenage years are extremely formative years. They definitely have a significant impact on an individual’s personality. However, there are also a number of biological and physical changes taking place in the body, which affect decision-making. Unfortunately, because of this (and other factors), we are seeing an increase in drug abuse in teenagers.

We Don’t Know Them; They Don’t Know Themselves

Being a teenager can be a precarious time. Aside from biological shifts, there are huge social challenges. Kids at that age are in the throes of figuring out who they are. With that, it’s almost impossible as parent to know who they are. There are constant changes. 

Teens often make decisions based on emotions. And, rational thinking is not quite their forte. Many of their decisions can be related to “not thinking”. Or, they are swayed by peers, society, or impulsive or, sometimes, self-destructive behavior. As parents, it’s truly a challenge for us to foresee our teens’ next choice. That’s why it’s especially important for adults to remain as “connected” to their youngster as possible. Check out some helpful parenting tips HERE.

Education for Prevention and Assistance

Parents and teens alike should learn about the dangers of drug abuse in teenagers. Additionally, a parent’s participation (and being a good role model) in their child’s life can help to prevent substance abuse. However, sometimes no matter what anyone does, the teen may fall prey to addiction.

If you feel your child may be using or abusing drugs, here are some associated signs and behaviors:

Signs of Drug Abuse

1.    Physical Changes

Some of the physical changes that occur when a teen becomes addicted to drugs are:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Regular nosebleeds
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive Fatigue
  • Pupils that are widely dilated
  • Frequent Tremors and/or Shakes

2.    Behavioral Changes

There are certain changes that you will witness in your teenage child’s behavior if they are involved in drug abuse. If your teen is showing more outbursts and is continuously engaging in harmful activities, there is a need to keep a check on their regular routine.

3.    Personality Changes

Being moody is not the only personality change that teens go through as a result of drug use. You may also find your child to be less sympathetic towards others or witness a trend of poor results in school.

Effects of Drug Abuse

As mentioned earlier, if an adolescent develops a habit of drug abuse at this stage, they are more likely to turn into drug addicts during adulthood. Moreover, there are many other dangerous linked effects. These include: poor decision-making, greater susceptibility to developing diseases caused by needles, and emotional and mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Thus, it is vital for parents to play an important role in their teen’s life during this time.

Treatment

If parents play an active role in their child’s life during this time, they can help protect them from making further bad decisions. In his book, “The Teen Formula”, Dr. Dave Campbell provides parents with a guide that they can use to protect their teenagers from becoming victims of substance abuse. Many parents have reported seeing results within 30 days. 

In Conclusion…

The brain is still developing during an individual’s teenage years. This is why teens are drawn to drugs. But, it’s also one reason why the young brain can be harmed. And unfortunately, substance abuse amongst this age group is fairly common. Most noteworthy, a majority of substance abuse problems begin at this juncture.

Hence, it is extremely important for parents to keep a close eye on their child’s behavior and activities during this phase of their life. By incorporating positive parenting, adults can counsel their children, as well as be avid listeners. Hopefully, parents can prove to be a source of constant support. We can only do our best, so let’s do our best!

For more articles about parenting and teens, check out GetThrive.com

8 Ways You Can Grow Healthy New Brain Cells!

We’re always hearing about how we’re killing our brain cells, but what about making changes and growing new, healthy ones?

Surprisingly Simple

Are you interested in improving your memory? How about your problem-solving skills? Are you wanting to feel more focused on the job, in conversations, and in your hobbies? It can be done, and it’s not difficult at all. If fact, it’s so simple, some of these tips may surprise you.

1) Get a good night’s sleep—consistently. Aim for between seven and nine hours per night. You know how you feel more alert after a solid slumber? Those are your new baby brain cells lovin’ life.

2) Get exercise. Anything that works up a sweat will do the trick. And that includes a healthy romp in the hay (wink-wink.) Studies show that cognitive function increases in those who stick to an exercise regimen.

3) Give up smoking, methamphetamines, cocaine, and sniffing any kind of solvents or chemicals. Do you really need a hyperlink to a source that promotes this? Stop killing those cells and someday, if you’re lucky, your brain will return to a healthy state.

4) Drink more water. Dehydration is a culprit known to cause brain-cell deterioration. Carry around a non-toxic decanter and refill throughout the day with fresh water.

5) Cut calories. Overeating lends to brain fog. Restricting calories by approximately 20 percent stimulates the growth of new brain cells.

6) Practice coping skills. Keep stress levels low whenever possible. Anxiety and panic raise cortisol levels, which in turn, can damage brain cells. A calm body breeds healthier cells all over.

7) Drink green tea. A substance in green tea generates new cells. That’s why the inclusion of green tea into our diet improves memory and cognition.

8) Stand at least two feet away from your microwave oven when it’s cooking anything. You risk degeneration of cells from microwaves, especially if your oven “leaks.”

Healthy Brain

Of course, eating fresh, whole foods will help to keep you properly nourished. If you’re consuming vitamins and minerals derived directly from food sources (and enhancing with supplements), you’re already on a terrific path towards keeping healthy cells happy. Incorporating the above tips should help get you in gear and your brain cells-a-multiplyin’ !

Want to Push the Limit? 5 Tips for Getting the Most Intense Workout

Going to the gym everyday can get pretty routine, especially if you’re used to doing a similar workout. That’s one of the reasons Cross-fit has become so popular; your mind and your body plateau, and the only way to improve your condition is by mixing up the exercises.

Every once in a while, it’s a good thing to take your workout to an extreme. Disclaimer: if you’re not already active or you have any injuries, hold off on extreme intensity for now. But if you feel up to it, here are some tips to guide you through your experience:

1. Wear proper clothing: You’ll want to dress in materials that contain wicking. When you sweat profusely, you’ll want your clothes to absorb the wetness and keep your body as dry as possible. You don’t want to overheat, nor do you want to get a chill from being wet. Also, the right socks and shoes are important to keep your feet from blistering and also to protect your ankles and shins.

2. Breathe: As your activity becomes more intense, your lungs will require more oxygen. Naturally, you will breathe heavier. What’s great about interval training is that during the “rest” periods, you get the opportunity to take slower, deeper breaths, and sort of “catch up”—right before it’s time to go into intense mode again!

3. Stay headstrong: If you begin to feel a bit lightheaded, that’s understandable. Blood is rushing to all different parts of your body and its muscles. It may also be an endorphin rush you’re feeling as well. Of course, if you feel dizzy or too lightheaded, slow down, hold onto something stable, and take deep breaths.

4. Keep your brain in the game: The first few minutes of intense exercise most of us scream inside, “I can’t do this!” Well, yes you can. Pushing to extreme truly is mind over matter.

If your body is in shape or you exercise regularly, you absolutely can push yourself a little farther if you decide to. If the pain feels like you are injuring yourself, stop. But if it’s a good pain, stick with it. When your workout is over, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment.

5. Hydrate and stretch: during and after. Drink water and also indulge in a beverage with electrolytes to replenish. You can incorporate stretches into your workout once your muscles are already warm. It’s very important after an intense session that you take the time to stretch or you will cramp or feel undue soreness the next day.

Congratulations for taking such good care of your body. It’s yours to enjoy and cherish. Have a great workout!

 

The Vicious Cycle… 5 Lady-Like options to help us get through them

As a woman, it’s unbelievable what we have to physically endure. I’m talking about what nature hands over to our gender. Getting a period every month for maybe 40 years of our lives is an almost surreal concept. Cramps, zits, mood swings, water retention, the cost of tampons, stained clothing, and balancing a sex-life around our “friend,” the vicious cycle…Really?

If you thought hemorrhaging for a week out of every month wasn’t gross enough, wait until you get introduced to the “mucus plug.” I’m skipping ahead, sorry. Pregnancy is miraculous and can be a human honor, but no person or book can prepare you for the experience of internally growing an alien.

The actual process of giving birth includes a level of pain unequivocal to anything else besides being stabbed with a butter knife by an elephant sitting on your pelvis while you’re upside-down in an active volcano.

Just when you thought Mother Nature’s trials’ were complete, peri-menopause introduces herself, and you suddenly wished you had the most-highly recommended exorcist’s number on your speed dial.

Again with the mood swings, the weight gain, a horrifying lack of libido, and the obnoxious flash-mob perspiration. What “they” tell you, but you can’t truly grasp until it happens, is that once you hit menopause, you grow hair—in all the wrong places.

It would be delightful if my already-thin hair from my scalp grew more, but no! Those follicles have shut down and made my head-hair even thinner—so much so that you can almost see my brain through my scalp.

Listen up, because this is the exciting part: hair starts growing out of your chin, cheeks, and even nipples. Isn’t that a beautiful visual? Of the over 50-million hair follicles covering our body, only one-fifth are on our head.

That leaves a lot of other bizarrely random places for strands to sprout. And on a TMI note, don’t expect a flourishing bush down below, if you catch my drift.

So what to do with the Hansel n’ Gretel witch chin-hair? Some doctors will prescribe a birth-control pill to prevent menopausal hair-growth. Much of the Sasquatch-look is caused by the increased Androgen levels.

Estrogen and Androgen fight it out and Androgen will win, especially if you’re obese (levels are higher.) And before going on hormone treatment (especially for unsightly fur issues), there are many options for combating the expansion or unsightliness of nature’s human pelt.

 

  1. Bleach with over-the-counter stuff
  2. Get a great pair of tweezers and block-out plucking time in your calendar.
  3. Wash at home: One homeopathic sworn-by helper is: take two teaspoons of turmeric and mix with water to make a paste. Apply to troublesome hairy areas for @ 10 minutes. After it dries, wipe off with wet cloth. Supposedly, doing this a couple of times a week—after six weeks—should remove all the nasty not-wants.
  4. Home Wax: Take 2 cups o’ sugar, ¼ cup water, and a ¼ cup of lemon juice. Heat the combo in a saucepan until you have a thick, dark liquid. After it cools (duh!) you’ll eventually spread this mixture on the hair(s). Take a strip of cotton or jeans, place it on top of the mixture while it’s hot, and yank! Tada—hairs removed. But just temporarily…
  5. Laser: After many treatments and dollars spent, this will prove to be a successful option. Just keep in mind that you’re not going to be Silky-Sadie after the first treatment.

Hey, there’s no reason for you to choose any of the above options if you’re comfy with yourself as is. Just know that other women are experiencing the same changes. And if you desire, there are ways to counter-balance the wacky-hairy happenings.

 

How​ ​to​ ​Rock​ ​as​ ​a​ ​New​ ​Parent

Anyone who is about to have his/her first child must admit to being excited and/or nervous. There is so much unknown territory and we want to make it good and right—for our baby and ourselves! Hang in there because here are several tips that can help you rock as a new parent.

 

Welcome to Parenthood!

As a new parent, your brain can swell with so many thoughts and worries. Try to put aside thoughts of the future (like when your child will graduate or get married), or even thoughts of the near future (like how the laundry and dishes will get done.) Your priority needs to be the physical, emotional, and mental health of both you and baby. Here are the most important things:

– Eating

– Sleeping

 

Food For Thought

You can rock this new gig, especially during the first month, by focusing on nutrition for you and your infant. If you are able and willing to breastfeed, that’s great. If you’re having difficulty, consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. If you choose to bottle feed instead, that’s OK, too. Making sure baby gets enough to eat will help him/her to thrive.

Parents need to keep an eye on eating properly as well. Try and avoid fast food or junk to fill a cranky tummy. If you can snack on veggies and fruit, that’s a great habit to get into—especially because you are role-modeling for your child’s future eating habits. For meals, think about soups, defrosting pre-cooked meals, or making shakes with protein powder and healthy produce. (And, always accept friends’ and family’s offers to cook for you.)

 

How to Get Some Sleep

Your newborn baby will sleep, perhaps not when you want him too, but he will. And even when you think you’ve got your baby’s sleeping pattern down, it is sure to change. Touch is the most developed sense when a baby is born, so cuddling with your sweetie will be the most likely comfort for him to fall asleep.

Babies sleep, on the average 16 hours a day. Of course, that’s not in a row, and maybe not even more than three hours at a time. They wake to eat and often they wake when their diaper is wet or soiled. So, the first things to check for are hunger and physical discomfort. Once you’ve dealt with those issues, your baby may stay awake for a bit and then fall asleep again or need a little assistance helping her to back to sleep.

Make sure your infant is 100% safe when you lay her down to sleep. She should be on her back, with no pillow, toys, stuffed animals, or anything that could risk suffocation—that includes you. Now it’s time for you to sleep! That’s right, even if it’s for an hour. Take advantage of the quiet time to get yourself some rest. In order to rock as new parent, you can’t be completely frazzled and sleep deprived.

When your child awakes, so will you. And hopefully, you will both feel a bit more refreshed and ready to meet and greet the world together. (The world in this case may mean your living room couch, a blanket on the floor, or a car seat.)

 

Rockin’ the Awake Time

Now that you’re both ideally well fed and rested (OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration), nonetheless, it’s time for the fun to begin!

 

  • Eye contact. Making eye contact with your baby can get his attention. This simple form of visual contact can stimulate his senses. He will learn that this means “playtime”!

 

  • Toys for visuals. High-contrast colors are great to help develop sight and patterns. If it’s an automatic toy or one you’re holding, move it slowly. Colorful soft (material) books are wonderful for engagement visually and aurally (when you’re reading aloud.)

 

  • Music and sound. Toys that squeak or rattle are stimulating (as long as they are not frightening.) All types of music (played quietly or moderately loud) are beneficial to your baby’s development. Music has shown to decrease anxiety and help build neurological links to learning language and mathematics.

 

  • Talking and Singing. Engage your baby with real words. Sounds are wonderful for development, but speaking in full sentences gives the brain an understanding of linking sounds and words. Singing can be soothing but also introduces your baby to vocabulary using an association with rhythm, melody, and tone.

 

Hopefully these tips can help you worry less and enjoy more. One of the finest elements of how to rock as a parent is feeling the joy. If you and baby are eating, sleeping, and playing (also learning), it seems like a recipe for happy days in early parenting. Best of health to you and yours!

 

Sources:

http://www.mom365.com/baby/moms-health/12-great-newborn-mom-tips

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/14/talking-to-babies-brain-power-language

http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/120223/the_surprising_benefit_to_singing

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-1

https://www.babycenter.com/0_expert-sleep-strategies-for-babies_1445907.bc

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/child-rearing-and-development/bright-starts-babysdevelopment-through-interactive-play/playtime-articles/visual-stimulation-newborns

 

 

 

Epic Formula to Completely Breaking Your Drinking Habit

With a determined mindset and a plan, changing any habitual behavior can be possible. If drinking alcohol is on your list of habits to break, rest assured that with the right resources, it can be done. Along with a little perseverance and our epic formula, you will be on a successful path to completely breaking your drinking habit.

 

Identifying “Why” You Want to Break a Habit

Anything you want to succeed at in life requires motivation. Identifying why you are attempting to achieve a specific goal is what will keep you on your path. Your “why” is what will motivate and re-motivate you during your journey.

Identifying why you want to break your drinking habit is the first essential step of the formula. You need to be honest with yourself because your motivation matters. You can keep your “why” private, or you can share it with others for support. We will explore that concept further below. In the meanwhile, here are some common reasons for wanting to completely change your relationship with alcohol:

  • You have brain fog too often
  • You have a medical condition that requires cutting back or quitting
  • You are losing things that are important (money, job, relationships)
  • You want to look and feel healthier
  • You are joining a religion
  • You want to stay out of jail
  • You want to lose weight

It’s important for you to acknowledge and write down the reason(s) you are making a choice to break your habit. You will need this information now and later in order for the formula to work.

 

How to Completely Change Your Drinking Behavior

At this point, you should know why you are embarking on a mission to break a particular habit. Along with this understanding, a mindset of non-judgment must accompany it. Your job is to stick to the epic plan without criticizing yourself. You’re making a positive choice. Now, take the ride, and feel a sense of reward and accomplishment!

The formula for breaking your drinking habit consists of:

1) Cutting Back and Cutting down. If you normally drink three glasses of wine with dinner, cut down to one. If you drink every night of the week, perhaps allow yourself Friday or Saturday your evening to partake. When cutting back occasions to drink, still keep in mind that cutting down is still part of the equation.

2) Replace the Activity. Instead of going to happy hour, use that time to take a yoga class, watch a movie, or participate in a different social activity that doesn’t revolve around alcohol consumption. Exercise is an awesome replacement because it can lift your spirits and help detoxify your body.

3) Reward Yourself. Instead of spending $10 on a glass of Merlot, use it towards that grilled salmon plate you’ve been wanting to try. You could also treat yourself to a dessert since you’re not using empty calories on alcohol. Or, you could save the money you’re not using on drinks and buy something nice to add to your wardrobe (especially if you’ve lost weight.)

4) Remind Yourself. Here is where your “why” comes in handy again. When you’ve had a setback or you no longer see the use in breaking your habit, look back at your original reasons. Reminding yourself why you made this choice can help you re-motivate and feel more positive and determined.

5) Assess Your Success. After you’ve followed the epic formula for a while, check in with yourself and see you much you’ve accomplished. Do you have a clearer mind? Are you getting more exercise? Have you lost any weight? Have you kept your job? Have you found a job? Have you saved any money? Do you look better? Are you getting better rest? Do you feel better overall?

Ask yourself questions based upon your unique motivation for breaking your drinking habit. Chances are your responses will shed some positive light and a sense of a job well done.

 

Do I Have to Include Others in My Epic Formula?

The answer to this question is completely up to you. Some sources believe that your journey to breaking a habit is a private matter. You may have enough strength to accomplish your mission on your own. If this is your case, when others ask why you’re not drinking, you can simply respond with, “I’m on a 30-day cleanse”, or “I’ve accepted a personal challenge.”

Other sources believe that including others in your formula can be beneficial. Sharing your goals with loved ones can keep you accountable. It can also allow them to cheer and support you. Some people also find strength when they’re able to enlist a buddy to join them on their journey.

 

Habits Sometimes Fall Hard

Setting goals and accomplishing them are completely realistic and doable. However, when it comes to breaking a habit, especially drinking, there can be unsavory side effects that come with the territory. To be on the safe side, it’s necessary to understand what those may be.

When cutting down or abstaining from alcohol intake, each person may react differently. Some symptoms may be:

  • Changes in sleep patterns; bad dreams
  • Irritability, short-temperedness; poor concentration
  • Decrease or increase in appetite
  • Headache or nausea

If you experience severe symptoms such as: confusion, fever, trembling, or hallucinations, contact a health care provider immediately.

Following the tenets of this formula should completely ensure breaking your drinking habit. And, keep in mind, change can often be quite excellent. Best of luck and best of health on your life’s challenges!

Sources:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25028/taking-a-break-from-booze-7-tips-for-actually-sticking-with-it.html

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/how-to-reduce-your-drinking/how-to-cut-down/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol-completely/

https://getthrive.com/want-take-break-alcohol/