Addiction comes in many forms. Most of them are not healthy.
My wife is always on me about steering clear of sugar. We recently had a discussion where I admitted I’m a sugar addict. I’ll just say it – I’ve got a significant sugar addiction. So much so that I sit and think about sugar in all forms.
To add clarity, if she even mentions a sugary dessert, it’s all I can think about until I have it. When we’re cutting it up, I make certain I get the biggest piece. Even if it’s just slightly larger, it’s mine, and she knows it. The other day she made some sweet caramel apples and placed them in the fridge. My only thought was, “When can I have one?” Bottom line, I’m a sugar addict.
What got me thinking about this? My doctor got on me at my annual physical. He mentioned, “You’ve gotta lose some weight or you’ll end up on some medicines.” It was then that I told the doctor, “I’m a sugar addict, and it’s out of control.”
I took time to explain to him just how significant my sugar addiction is. I also quipped that it’s not my fault. And I explained that my mom used to keep a bowl of cake frosting in the fridge, along with some raw cookie dough. I would grab a handful almost any time I walked through the kitchen. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure my brother and sister are possibly sugar addicts, too. I’m not wanting to out them without permission, but I think it’s important in order to explain the depth of my problem.
It was kinda funny. My doctor suggested I just ask my wife to hide the sugar and provide me small rations from time to time. I had to explain to him, “Doc, I’m the one who hides the sugar, not her. I’ve got it everywhere.” I also tried to explain that my weight isn’t a problem. I told him, “I’m Oprah, I’m comfortable in my body.” He smirked, but I got the feeling he wasn’t overly amused.
Well, long story longer, I decided to address my sugar addiction head on. I decided to stop eating sugar, for the most part. I mean, I’m still gonna have a margarita, but maybe just stop at one – or two.
Another huge step was tossing my armrest sugar. If you’re not familiar, that’s the huge supply of licorice and assorted other goodies in the armrest of my car. Every time I drive, I consume constantly until I arrive, and even then I take a handful for the walk.
When I removed the bag of cherry licorice from the armrest, the sweet aroma of sugar wafted into the air. OMG, how was I going to toss that perfectly good sugar into the garbage? I was at least slightly comforted that it was in the garbage can and could easily be retrieved, if needed – until garbage pickup day.
As I write, it’s been a few weeks now without sugar. I’m doing well. I’ve stuck to my no-sugar diet, and even let sweets and other treats go by the wayside. I haven’t cheated, not even one time. Well, except for one can of Pepsi while I was working in the yard, but that’s it! I’ve checked the scale a few times, and I’ve lost weight. I stepped up my exercise a bit, too, and have been averaging twice the effort daily.
I’m on a good path, but not necessarily out of the woods. One thing that reminded me I’m not in the clear was the recent death of “Friends” TV star Matthew Perry. He was an addict, but of something perceived to be far more dangerous than sugar by some. I have come to realize addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. Matter of fact, I’m not convinced Perry’s addictions were any worse than mine. Sugar may sound less severe, but I can tell you its grip is substantial.
Perry was working to get a handle on his addictions, but apparently failed. As I listened to the news of his death, there was a quote attributed to him that struck a chord. He once discussed the importance of a support system when trying to overcome addiction and substance abuse. He said, “Your disease is just outside, doing one-arm push-ups, just waiting for you.” Wow, what a picture that creates! Addiction is a relentless, powerful force that will win, easily, if not fiercely confronted.
I know I have my own strong supporter. She’s been consistently waiting in the wings ready to go. All I had to do was commit on my end and work hard to keep my commitment.
So, if you have an addiction, say, “No more ‘sugar’ (put your addiction here).” And ensure your support is on notice.
Tim Ayers, Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), is a regional safety manager at MYR Group, a utility-contract company based in Thornton, Colorado. He is also a former Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) and safety & performance manager with accredited TCIA member company Kramer Tree Specialists.
