I Quit! | Linda Joy Allan

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – Feb 5, 2009 – A bad economy can trigger a return to past addictions, according to the author of a new book on how she quit her addictions to smoking, overeating and alcoholism.

“The goal is to recognize the risks, and then be proactive about not letting yourself slide backwards after overcoming past bad behaviors,” said Linda Joy Allan, author of the book, “I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze.”

Allan cited recent polls and studies that linked the high stress caused by a bad economy, as well as other stressful situations, to addictive behaviors.

The national public health think tank, the American Legacy Foundation, reported the results of a new survey this year that linked stress over the current recession to more smokers increasing the number of cigarettes smoked – and those who had quit returning to their old habit.

According to the survey, 31 percent of stressed-out women who smoked (and 17 percent of male smokers) said they were smoking more cigarettes. Another 7 percent of men and women smokers who had quit said they had started up again. The survey’s results also showed that 13 percent of stressed smokers said their worries about the economy made them postpone their plans to quit.

Another study published late last year in the journal Physiology and Behavior, showed a link between high stress and over-eating, Allan said.

“Yes, tough times can re-trigger past addictions. But not if we use common sense to stop ourselves from letting high stress ruin our success,” Allan said.

“When you feel stressed and reach for a cigarette, a drink or that fattening plate of comfort food, stop and ask yourself, ‘Will this cigarette pay my bills? Will this candy bar help me keep my job? Will this six-pack of beer put more money in my bank account? Of course not!” Allan said.

Allan said that “being blunt with yourself” is a powerful, pro-active way to avoid falling prey to stress-instigated temptations.

“Instead of reaching for an old bad habit, call on the same inner strength that helped you quit those bad habits in the first place, and focus on the real problem – stress,” the California author and consultant said.

Getting rid of stress can begin with stress-reducing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and taking long walks or engaging in other healthful activities, she said.

Doing something positive, such as volunteering for an hour or more each week for a worthy cause, can keep your mind off negatives, she added.

“In a recession, you can overcome the stress that comes with feeling powerless over the lack of money or the threat of becoming unemployed by taking charge of your finances and your career,” Allan said.

“Cut out extra spending, and take control of your budget. Focus your energies on creating a plan to make your job more secure by tracking the valuable contributions you make at work. Take an extra class to add more skills you can apply at your present job or add to a resume to find new, better paying work,” she said.

“It’s all about being optimistic and pro-active. That’s what will stop tough times from re-triggering your past addictions,” she said.

For more information about the book, "I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze," contact Linda Joy Allan at (805) 705-4784 or by e-mail at LindaJoyAllan@aol.com.