Stimulants Vs Addictions: There Is A Difference

Have you ever felt a constant pull towards your favourite coffee or energy boost, yet wondered why you need it in the first place? In this episode, I explore why we all rely on stimulants in many forms, even when we’re not fully aware. It’s a deep dive into how our brains crave these boosts, plus tips on recognising them and making smarter choices.

The conversation unpacks why stimulants matter and how they can slip into our days without warning. If you’ve ever guzzled multiple coffees by midday or found yourself hooked on social media for that quick mental jolt, you’ll see how conscious awareness can make a real difference. The image mentioned in the podcast can be viewed here to help you follow along.

Why Stimulants Matter

When we say “stimulants,” most people think about caffeine or energy drinks, but there’s much more to it. Our minds latch onto anything that lifts us: sugar, social media likes, or even that buzzing phone on the table. For many of us with dyslexia or ADHD traits, these extra lifts can feel essential to get through the day.

One big thing I uncovered in this chat is how many forms these stimulating forces can take. That morning coffee is the obvious one, but the show also covered smaller “hits,” like scrolling through cat videos or checking messages every few minutes. They all create a sense of reward that keeps our brains interested.

“You are using them whether you are conscious of them or not.”

Unconscious vs Conscious Habits

We don’t always realise how many decisions we make on autopilot. One minute you’re sipping tea, then out of nowhere you find yourself in the snack cupboard, rummaging for a sugary treat. That’s the kind of unconscious behaviour we explored.

When we become conscious of our habits, we gain the power to question them. We start noticing if we’re truly hungry or if we just need an energy bump. This awareness can shift decisions in small but powerful ways, like opting for a glass of water when your brain seeks something else to keep you focused.

Adjusting Your Daily Boosts

Feeling guilty about your favourite pick-me-up? It’s not about ditching every boost you enjoy. Instead, it’s a process of making small adjustments that bring balance. We discussed a few ways to tweak your routine without abandoning those comforting habits.

• Start by jotting down the stimulants you rely on most often (coffee, apps, or even music).
• Ask yourself why you reach for them. Is it boredom, stress, or an energy slump?
• Replace or reduce one habit at a time. Swap late-night social media scrolling for some calming music or a warm cup of herbal tea.

Each conscious swap might be small, but over time you’ll see a big shift in your energy and clarity.

Building a New Awareness

In the podcast, we talk about mapping out what you do each day. When you pay attention to the little things, you’ll spot patterns that show you where you run out of steam. Maybe it’s in the afternoon, or first thing in the morning.

That’s when the image I refer to in the podcast comes in handy. It lays out a visual that helps you identify the points in your day where you seek drama, excitement, or energy boosts. This visual snapshot can be a real eye-opener. Create your own or use mine to see how often you reach for that “quick fix.”

Practical Steps to Move Forward

Now that you know how stimulants appear in your life, there are plenty of ways to track them and adjust. Start small, see how it feels, and build on that momentum. Here are a few suggestions I shared in the episode:

1. Keep a small journal: For a week, note each time you grab a stimulant. Hint: you might see patterns you never noticed.
2. Ask for support: Chat with a friend or family member you trust, and ask them to point out when you might be acting on autopilot.
3. Try a “stimulant-free hour”: Pick a short window to avoid coffee, sugary snacks, and digital devices. Observe what happens.
4. Celebrate mini-wins: If you skip an extra coffee or log out of social media early, give yourself credit and keep going.

• Being conscious is the first step in managing our many stimulants.
• Small changes add up over time and create a healthier daily rhythm.
• Tracking habits can reveal energy slumps and unconscious behaviour.
• It’s not about ditching all stimulants, it’s about balancing them.

Ready to go deeper? The full podcast episode is waiting for you above. Give it a listen and let me know how you get on. Your mind will thank you for exploring these small but mighty shifts.