Bad Habits, Be Gone!

We all know that person—or maybe it’s yourself—who claims not to do something that everyone knows they’re guilty of. For some, it’s bracketing vaping and smoking as something they only do when they’re drunk. For others, vices can be people—like an ex-boyfriend you “only talk to on the days that end in Y.”

Whatever it may be, by choosing not to acknowledge a bad habit, you run the risk of letting it turn into a subconscious addiction.

Addiction

We really are all addicts in some way—and that’s OK. Along with the usual suspects like nicotine and alcohol, Gen Z faces an abundance of addictive forces: social media apps, situationships (a unique breed of masochism and fixation), online sports betting—the list goes on.

According to Addiction Center, Gen Z “runs a high risk of developing an addiction. Nearly 90% of substance use disorders start during the teenage years.”

In addition to the standard problems like unaffordable health care (sigh), social media and phone use put this age group at a higher risk of addiction, as they often cause feelings of isolation and loneliness. One thing about an addiction: It will always be around—and always keep you company.

Recognizing the Problem

It’s not always easy to call it what it is. Many addictions—like gambling, social media, or a toxic relationship—are hard to see clearly because of their nature.

Unlike an alcoholic, who knows that the more they drink, the more they’ll want to drink, someone addicted to gambling might have a little voice in their head saying, The more you do it, the better your chances.

Giving yourself a reality check and knowing when to call it quits on a bad thing isn’t always easy. But when it feels so hard that it seems like you can’t or that “it’s not worth it,” that’s a sign there may be a real problem on your hands.

The Thing About Bad Habits

Someone once said, “Show me your habits, and I’ll show you your future.”

Depending on your habits, that could be a very good—or very bad—thing. It doesn’t sound so promising when a day in your life consists of things not exactly conducive to success.

The habits we form shape our reality more than we realize. Addictions, in particular, are just habits that have grown roots. They start small—disguised as coping mechanisms or harmless routines—but before long, they become the blueprint for a future we never intended.

Quitting an addiction isn’t just about stopping something bad—it’s about choosing to rewrite the story your habits are telling.

Tips for Quitting

Quitting isn’t easy—if it were, everyone would be doing it. But there are some small tricks that can help you break free from the cycle:

Ask for Help.

Telling someone—a family member, roommate or friend—can be a really helpful tool for holding yourself accountable. Just saying it out loud can shift something in your mind and make the goal feel more real. It also opens the door for support, encouragement and even a little tough love when you need it most. You don’t have to go it alone.

Change Your Environment.

Sometimes, it’s not just about willpower—it’s about what (and who) is around you. If certain people, places or routines are tied to the habit you’re trying to quit, it might be time to shake things up.

Bear with us here, but if a bad habit only takes place after PMAN Thursdays, maybe it’s time to cut that out of the weekly rotation. Rearranging your space, avoiding triggers or building a new routine can give you the fresh start you need.

Replace—Don’t Just Remove.

It’s hard to stop something without putting something else in its place. Quitting cold turkey is one of the hardest things to do. Whether it’s going for a walk instead of reaching for a drink, journaling instead of scrolling, or calling a friend when cravings hit—find healthier habits to fill the space.

In terms of relationships, VALLEY does not recommend replacing your loser boy-toy with another loser boy. Instead, we recommend replacing him with self-care and focusing on yourself… or his friends.

Be Patient With Yourself.

You’re not going to be perfect—and that’s OK. Progress isn’t always linear. What matters most is that you keep going. Every time you choose not to give in, you’re building a new future—one you actually have control over.

If you have any tips for overcoming hyper-fixations and addictions, reach out to VALLEY on Instagram @VALLEYmag.