Hi....
I have used lots of coping mechanisms through my life and some that have become real issues fo me....
But they were all to cover up feelings. feelings that i couldn't cope with.... from childhood....
Now i am sober i have also had to try and stop these other coping mechanisms to allow myself to fully heal....
I still struggle not to use them... my counselor calls them my escapisms.... she says we are the best escape artists ever... houdini has nothing on us :o)
I am only recently aloowing myself to FEEL... as in the last week or so and it is hard.... but if i am ever going to be free from all this i s need to work through these feelings free from any escaping behavours
I wish you luck.... please be gentle with yourself