The Journey Through Diet Coke Dependency

Hey there! I’m Jamie, and I’ll admit it—I’ve got a serious Diet Coke problem. For years, I’ve found myself jumping into my car in the morning, still in my pajamas and unshowered, just to hit up the nearest gas station for my fix. That fizzy rush? It’s too good to resist. As soon as I fork over my couple bucks and clutch that 20 oz. bottle, everything feels right in the world.

I can’t be the only one, right? There have to be others out there who hear that sweet Diet Coke calling, who can picture those colorful cans dancing in their minds. Truth be told, this diet soda addiction feels a lot like a drug habit—minus the life-threatening risks, of course.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane: first, there was Tab, the original “diet” drink from the ‘80s, then came Diet Coke in 1982, quickly becoming a staple everywhere you looked. A few years later, Coke Zero made its debut, kind of like a substitute for those trying to quit the hard stuff—it’s okay, but it’s just not the same.

My Diet Coke addiction is no joke. I know I should quit, and if you’re anything like me, you probably feel the same. Here’s a rundown of the five stages of this addiction:

Stage 1: Planning Ahead

When a storm is brewing and everyone else is stocking up on essentials, you’re worrying about your Diet Coke supply. You might have enough, but you’re already thinking of grabbing more. Nobody shows up at a bash and says, “Oh no, I forgot the booze,” and if you’re actively planning your supply, you’re definitely in the early stages.

Stage 2: The Tomorrow Pledge

You’ve made a resolution to cut back but convince yourself that the right time to start is tomorrow. This is a classic sign that you’re moving deeper into your addiction.

Stage 3: The Denial Phase

Even when you know it’s affecting your health, you keep drinking. You think, “I’m different; it won’t happen to me.” Plus, you probably have a secret stash tucked away for when the cravings hit.

Stage 4: The White Lies

When asked about your Diet Coke intake, you mentally tally up the cans and then conveniently “forget” a few. You’ve stopped drinking it socially, preferring to sip alone, keeping the blinds drawn.

Stage 5: Total Dependence

Your mood hinges on your Diet Coke supply. A day without it? You’re in for a rough ride. If your dentist raises an eyebrow during your check-up, you might want to start reconsidering your choices.

I tend to hover around Stage 3, and if I don’t act soon, I fear I’ll dig myself into a deeper hole. Having just celebrated five years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol, I know a thing or two about addiction. I’ve swapped one for another, but I really hope to kick this habit soon too.

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In conclusion, I’m on a mission to break free from my Diet Coke habit. If you relate, know you’re not alone. Together, we can tackle our cravings head-on!