Caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes are very physically addictive. However, they are also very 'socially' addictive. This means that we often associate our social activities with the daily use of these substances. For example:
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You may always have a coffee and a cigarette at morning tea, or perhaps your friends go outside to have a 'smoko' and a chat. If you don't join them, you will miss out on enjoyable social conversation (or the latest gossip!)OR |
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Perhaps you always meet others for drinks on a Friday night, or always come home and have a beer, or a glass of wine, to 'wind down'. OR |
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You and your partner always enjoy a cigarette after dinner (or even after sex!) |
These types of social rituals can also apply to when people use
marijuana and
other recreational drugs, such as taking
ecstasy when going to a dance party.
The following are some self help strategies that may assist you in dealing with the 'social' part of your habit and/or addiction, whatever this may involve. These aim to be a starting point for you to work from, to help you and your new baby during the pre-conceptual, pregnancy and breastfeeding stages.
These can include: