Relapse and developing new addictions

I had a variety of addiction when I first got to recovery. The first thing I quit was weed. I also decided not to drink any more even though I wasn't a big drinker. I also quit caffeine, sugar and gluten within my first year, realizing some of their effects. I also started trying to quit PMO the first year I was clean/sober but that addiction was the only one to have returned. I've had multiple years on the others. I think things like workaholism, gaming addiction, and other behavioral things are a little different... I could be addicted to anything. Going to meetings and forums and addressing my addiction and trauma and myself as a person has helped me not be as addictive altogether. Because otherwise if I gave up sugar, my PMO would go up. If I gave up PMO, my weed would go up. If I gave up weed, my alcohol would go up. Etc. So it takes time. Claudia B. from the ACA red book says recovery is about connection. So I guess since 2013 I've focused more on connection, and I have a lot less addictive tendency. I don't emotional eat. Workaholics Anonymous has helped me a lot with activity addictions and Adult Children of Alcoholics has helped me address un-categorized "addictive" behaviors or coping mechanismbs.

 

Relapsing even after many years of abstaining from PMO is quite possible because of many factors: triggers, moods, astrological transits, breaking up a relationship, hardships at school or on the job, many things. Perhaps dealing with those other addictions during the obviously added stress of avoiding PMO for six months 'broke the camel's back'! Your 6-month streak of hard-mode was a nice one! If I were you, I'd go moderation on the PMO while taming those other addictions you mentioned. When those are finally under control, then see if you want to start another long no-PMO streak or remain in strict moderation. At least you can now enjoy without being enjoyed. See what I mean?