habit vs addiction: what’s the difference?

In association with our partner psychologists, Psych Health.

Have you ever noticed that there are certain things you do without even thinking about them? Like brushing your teeth before bed or grabbing a snack when you feel hungry? Those are some examples of habits.

But can a habit turn into something more serious, like an addiction? And is it always possible to tell the difference? Let’s take a look.

what is a habit?

A habit is a behaviour or action you do regularly, often unconsciously, resulting from repeated actions or experiences. When you do something repeatedly, your brain starts forming pathways that make that action easier. Eventually, it becomes automatic and you no longer have to think about it.
Habits can be good or bad, depending on what the behaviour is.

For example, exercising regularly or eating healthy foods are good habits that can improve your health and wellbeing. On the other hand, social smoking or biting your nails are bad habits that can negatively affect your health or appearance.

The good news is that you can change your habits. Of course, it will take effort and consistency, but you can break bad habits through practice. So, whether you want to start exercising more, eat a balanced diet, or quit smoking socially, there is always time to begin forming new habits that will benefit you in the long run.

can bad habits lead to addiction?

Habits can be a pathway to addiction. So, it’s important to assess your behaviours or substance use honestly to understand whether it’s a habit you can withhold or possibly something more serious.

You may find it helpful to ask yourself:

how can mindfulness help with bad habits?

There are plenty of benefits to practising daily mindfulness, and it isn't just about relaxation but also about building awareness of ourselves. So often, habits are routine, and we do them mindlessly. Your growing awareness will help you catch the patterns earlier and take steps to prevent the bad habits.

Mindfulness can also support you in diverting your attention, like fitness or creating art. With habits, our choices will be biased toward the favoured behaviour, as our brains love the shortcut. To break bad habits, you want to override that response and refocus your attention on a healthy habit you enjoy.