To be free from an addiction!

January 10 is a date I will probably always remember. That day I decided to stop sniffing. That day I decided not to be controlled by an addictive substance. This thing had been present in my everyday life half of my life. When it was not available for purchase in Finland, the situation had to be resolved in some way. My life was limited and I had to make sure there was snus in the fridge every day. Lots of money and time have been spent on getting snus. Snus was a way of life, it kind of belonged to the fact that you always had a snus under your lip when you were awake. It was really a bad investment. It would have been better to buy snus shares and cash home some money after 15 years. But this is behind me today. January 10, 2021, I have been snus-free for 2 years and I can honestly say that I am not addicted to snus anymore. I have not limited my life for 2 years now.

I’ve always been determined. If I decide on something – then I do it. I had thought about it for a long time before I made the decision that now I will take care of my body, get rid of the snus from my system forever. And I’m well on my way now.

What is an addiction?

Addiction disease is an acquired, chronic change in the brain’s reward system where the memory of the experiences that cause addiction is stored. The brain’s reward system is central to addiction development. The task of the reward system is to motivate us to do things that are important for our survival. When we eat food or exercise, the system releases dopamine and we get a feeling of well-being. At the same time, action and well-being are linked in memory so that we can repeat the action. When you consume addictive substances, more dopamine is released than with natural stimulation. Instead of well-being, you get a strong pleasure-filled feeling. The reward system is “kidnapped”.

Addiction is a chronic, acquired brain disease. The changes that take place in the brain during an addiction are largely the same regardless of whether it is an abuse of a substance or a behavior, which means that one can treat in a similar way. The brain’s reward system is central to addiction development (hjarnfonden.fi).

I rewarded myself every day with snus. You can, for example, be rewarded with games, food or alcohol. Certain substances or things stimulate the reward system more so that we need stronger and faster ways to get the reward system activated and the good feeling you get from it.

There are different ways to treat an addiction, some addictions require more work from you than others. It takes discipline, determination and patience to end an addiction. I decided one morning to stop sniffing. If I decide on something – then I work for it. I feel better and am not “stuck” in an addiction that dictates my life.

If you are working to end an addiction then keep fighting. If you decide to do it, i hope you do it for your well-being and your best.

If I can end an addiction, you can also do it. I believe in you!

Have a great day!