How To Overcome Emotional Addictions

It is actually possible to become addicted to negative emotions. When you get into a pattern of thinking that causes certain emotions, those emotions in turn feed the negative thinking patterns that created them in the first place. When people feel empty inside, they tend to fill the gap with anything, including negative emotions.

After a while, it becomes a pattern. Negative thoughts cause negative emotions and negative emotions cause negative thoughts. When you do this consistently, it becomes a long-term pattern, which can in turn lead to exte
al addictions.

For example, let's say that you have a lot of anger in your life. You think bad thoughts about certain people. Then you feel angry. As the anger grows, you begin to feel the need to eliminate it in some way. Some people use alcohol, others use pharmaceutical drugs, still others become addicted to sex to help them overcome negative emotions.

This is the pattern of emotional addiction. The good thing is that you can change this state of affairs. Here's a three step process you can use to get rid of emotional addictions and negative emotional patterns.

1. Make a decision.

Decide to do something about it and to do it yourself, without depending on others. Reading books is not enough. You have to act.

2. Notice your patterns.

Observe yourself and notice the chain of events that you go through every time you have a negative thought or negative emotion.

Usually, something will happen around you which will remind you of a negative thought. The thought will cause you to relapse into your emotional addiction.

3. Break the pattern.

You have to break the pattern that you created over time and do it consistently. If you've been doing it for years, it won't be easy, but here are some common pattern-breaking ideas to help you along the way.

Neigong. This is also known as chi kung and has helped many people with emotional issues. It allows you to release the negativity in a natural way.

Exercise. Any type of exercise will work, because exercise changes your physiological state and therefore your emotions.

Socializing. Socializing can help a lot, especially for people who spend too much time alone. Being with others can get you out of bad habits that ruin your life.

Eliminate negative anchors. Anything that reminds you of something you don't want to remember and causes you to have the same reaction you always have is a negative anchor. Sitting on the couch with a beer in front of the television every time you get upset about something is an example of a negative anchor. It actually sucks you into the behaviour all over again.