HOW TO QUIT AN ADDICTION
Are you ready to quit your addiction today? If yes, then you’re on the right track. Quitting an addiction doesn’t seem as easy as other people may think; it takes time and patience to quit one. The first step about quitting an addiction is recognizing that you have an addiction then. Next, see how it affects other parts of your life, and from here, you can know how to go about quitting it. Addiction is the condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity. When we think about addiction, most people’s mind focuses on drugs and alcohol as the only addictions there is. People also get addicted to things like gambling, mobile phones, masturbation, among others.
The chances are that you were not expecting to turn into an addict because you started, you thought you were just having fun, and you could quit any time. But it is not the case because it later becomes a part of you.
The first question that goes on in one’s mind is that” why is quitting so hard?”
The good news is you can quit though it is a complicated process to attain in a short time; you need to exercise patience with yourself and the process. Quitting seems hard because it involves many factors that are physical, mental, and emotional that make it difficult for you. This is why many people have sought treatment though quitting on your own is also possible.
Below are a few ways in which you can beat an addiction;
Self-reflection
Most times, people tend to quit addictions on their own though it takes time. Remember that quitting an addiction starts with you reflecting on how the addiction has affected your life in one way or the other. With that in mind, it is important to know that the independent, self-motivated cure for an addiction is possible. Its people with the strongest, clearest values and the motivation to change who beat addictions.
Activating your desire to quit
The simplest answer to the question “When do people change?” is “When they want to change.” There’s no amount of science or brain scans that is ever going to change this truth. There’s a belief that people have the commitment and power to be able to change on their own. The fact is there will always be repeated failure, which makes it very demoralizing. Motivation to change always takes different forms, depending on where you are in the addiction stage. No matter what stage you’re at, activate your desire to quit and embark on a life-changing journey.
Be accountable to someone.
Being accountable is the strongest motivator for peak performance because it keeps people sober and on the recovery path. Everyone has a mentor to always look out for them and ensure that they are on the right path. This mentorship program is also meant to guide them towards physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Having someone that you always have to be accountable to is one way of beating addiction.
Distract yourself
Any addict needs to distract themselves because it prevents them from giving in to their addictions. Activities such as reading, playing indoor or out games, watching movies, sports, among others, can help improve your mental health. Distractions also help you take your mind off your addictions and focus energy on something better than the addiction.
Have a reward system
You should have a reward system set up and reward yourself each time you don’t give in to your addiction. This system will help in returning motivation into your life; it could either be a small reward or a big one. Rewarding yourself is one way of self-encouragement to quit your addiction.
Taking responsibility
Responsibility starts with you getting over the addiction and reprogramming your brain so that you will be able to quit it. Taking responsibility is one of the hardest things to do, but it is something you must-do if you want to get over your addiction. Therefore, addicts need to combat addiction and perseverance by applying them in their day to day lives. Stepping up your game to quitting an addiction is the first step in taking back control of your life.
Do practical activities
Practical exercises involve you choosing specific programs that have interactive exercises showing you how to outgrow your addictions. Kicking off your addiction ultimately begins with you taking the step to do so. These kinds of mental exercises include group talks, guidance and counseling, and so forth. The practical activities keep you distracted and keep your mind busy from giving in to your addiction.
Get some friends
This works for all kinds of addicts that you need to have some friends with you. Here’s why, as friends, they always have to help each other in any way they can and in any kind of addiction situation. You realize that when one becomes an addict, they tend to cut off ties with their friends and tend to always alone. Most people who are active in their addictions are not capable of the best form of friendship, but always friends of the right sort provide most mirrors to them. Hence if you have a friend who is an addict, it is important to always be there for them in whatever possible way you can.
Have a support system
At any point in life, we will always need a support system because human beings are the most social animals. Our peers will always have a huge impact on our behavior. There are many ways in which people can help you beat addiction, and this can be by choosing to associate with those who don’t engage in the addiction you have been stuck in. Social factors are harnessed as a tool for recovery and can be used by finding people and groups to support your recovery. Endeavor to join a support system near to you because we all need a helping hand in fighting any addiction.
In conclusion, the process of quitting an addiction doesn’t come in easy it takes a lot of hard work and determination. It might take time, but eventually, there’s hope at the end of every tunnel; remember to persevere and don’t give up on quitting your addiction. With the above-mentioned ways, embark yourself on a journey to recovery as you aim at beating your addiction.
If you need help, do not hesitate to contact us.
