Addiction is a hard thing to overcome. It takes extreme motivation and support from family and friends. So how to break an addiction? Let’s explore this in this article!
- Deciding to Quit – In order to overcome addiction, you must make the decision to quit. This is hard for many people because they become addicted to the feelings of pleasure and self-control that drugs or alcohol provide. They struggle with wanting to quit but being unable to actually do it. You need an iron will to break free from drug abuse.
- Taking Your Mind Off of It – You must find healthy outlets for your time and energy, so you don’t have the opportunity to use them. For example, you need to develop new hobbies or activities that are not self-destructive.
- Planning – Having a plan and following through on it will keep you from returning to drugs or alcohol. First, you need to commit yourself to write detailing why you want to quit using these substances, how you will do it, and what your support system is for staying clean.
- Taking it One Step at a Time – If you try to quit all at once, you are more likely to fail. When making plans for how you will quit, break your plan down into manageable steps that you can easily accomplish.
- Seeking Professional Help – Many people find it easier to stay away from drugs or alcohol when they participate in a recovery program where they get professional guidance, support, and information on how to deal with the challenges they may encounter.
- Having a Strong Support System – You need people around you who are on your side and will support you in quitting and staying clean. Family, friends, professionals in recovery programs or even other individuals who have overcome their addictions can help you do this.
- Addiction coach – Addiction coach are trained professional that can help you through the difficult times and have a better outcome in life. They teach you how to stay clean and sober during your recovery and provide counseling and treatment plans.
- Avoiding Triggers – Your past can keep you from staying away from drugs or alcohol, so avoid places that trigger your desire to use. For example, if a certain friend tempts you with drug abuse, then avoid them.
- Getting Into Healthy Routine – A healthy daily routine provides a structure for your life and prevents you from thinking about abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Refocusing Your Life – You must focus on quitting and not dwell on the negatives in your life that caused you to start using. It is easy to fall back into old habits when you are discouraged, but it is important to stay positive so that your efforts don’t get derailed.
- Remembering Why You Want to Quit – On bad days, it is easy to overindulge in drugs or alcohol again because things are not going as well as you hoped. Remind yourself of all the reasons you chose to get clean and sober with a drug treatment program plan.
These are perhaps the most important steps you can take to stop an addiction. Some are more drastic than others, but they all have the potential to help you get over addiction. Addiction can destroy relationships, careers, and overall health and wellbeing. It is an unfortunate reality that too many people end up needing some sort of external support when trying to overcome addiction issues. However, you might find something that will work for you. Just stay focused!