Various people use different means to avoid their inner demons. Some pump iron at the local gym, some work until the early hours of the morning and some turn to narcotics. However the last option is not the only one that can be addictive and destructive to your relationships.
A couple of extra hours spent working late at the office can become just as habitual as a couple of extra drinks after leaving the office. To some this may be a once-a-month occurrence, but to others it can become an obsession. And most don't realise it until it's too late...
Turning to addictions is neither a constructive nor clever way to solve problems. Running away may seem like the easy option now, but avoiding issues will only cause more trouble for you in the long run.
Spending too much time at work to avoid discussing an issue with your spouse is not going to 'make the problem go away'. It will only bring more hurt and confusion into your relationship. Turning to chocolate every time you suffer from low self-esteem can cause weight gain, which would only result in yet another aspect of yourself that you will be unhappy with.
You can only combat your addictions by looking to your inner soul. Rather focus on what needs to be done in order to resolve the issues that stand in the way of your happiness instead of dwelling on the situation. This way you stay in control of your own life, the healthy way.
Follow these tips to combat addictions:
Meditation and prayer can enhance your insight and give you courage.
Tap into your intuition to come to terms with your unique challenges and strengths, remembering that no-one is given more to carry than they can bear.
In every lifetime growth is inevitable, so you might as well confront your issues and deal with them sooner rather than later.
Ask for help from someone you trust.
Eat well, sleep well and do whatever you can to preserve your sense of humour.