One of the most destructive human traits is addiction. Addiction can ruin lives whether it is to drugs, gambling, alcohol or anything else that you can do in excess.
While there are generally some warning signs along the way, addiction can often become a major problem very quickly and with little warning.
Whether it is you or a loved one who is suffering from an addiction, there is some good news. There is hope for overcoming addiction, but you need to have a good plan and a good support system in place.
There are a number of tried and tested methods that you can use to overcome your addiction once and for all.
Admit That There Is A Problem
If you have ever done any reading on addiction, you will have heard this before. The first step you have to take is identifying that there is a problem that needs to be fixed.
When it comes to addiction, this means that you have to stop and be truthful with yourself about the extent of your problem.
It is recommended that you write down your thoughts and feelings while you do this.
When you have a written record of everything that you feel, you can go back and see what you were thinking and feeling at different points. This offers you are “outside” perspective which is helpful in seeing your own patterns and trying to change them over time.
Reward Yourself
People who are more susceptible to addiction will generally have a personality that is motivated by rewards. This is not actually a bad thing and can be used to fight your addiction.
You can create a reward system with healthy incentives that will keep you from trouble.
An example of this will be when you are trying to stop smoking. You can treat yourself to something special on a Sunday night if you have made it through the week without smoking.
Of course, you will need to ensure that the reward is of value to you. You should also try to plan with friends and family who will hold you accountable as well.
Replace Your Addiction
It is often said that you do not break a habit, you replace it with a new one. If you want to pull yourself away from an addiction, you should look at developing a more positive habit. One of the most popular options is exercise.
It may seem hard to believe, but exercise can be very addicting when you get into it. You will have to start slowly so you can build up your fitness and physical condition.
However, when you stay focused on this, you will be able to trade your negative addiction for a more positive one like exercise.
Locate And Avoid Your Trouble Spots
Most addicts will have a time and place which trigger their addiction. This can be an obvious trigger such as a bar for people with alcohol addictions. It can also be more subtle such as a break at work which makes you reach for your cigarettes.
Whatever your trigger, you need to schedule your days to help you avoid them. You can plan a walk with a non-smoking coworker during your break instead of going for a cigarette.
You can also go see a movie on a Friday instead of going to a bar. It is important to note that you will not have to do this forever because once your addiction has broken, you will be more comfortable in any situation.
Meditate
An addiction is an impulsive action which often takes little to no thought. Addicts are often stuck in a cycle of thoughts that repeat each day and keep them addicted. Meditation can help you break these thought patterns and see the world from a new perspective.
Meditation is also known to release endorphins in the same way that exercise does. This is a healthy high which is considered a safe alternative to addictive substances.
If you find none of these things work then maybe you need to attend a luxury drug rehab to help get you back to yourself.
These can help you in the long run and allow you to conquer your addiction.
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