According to a 2020 report, approximately 284 million individuals between 15 and 64 used drugs globally. Individuals with a substance use issue frequently discover that recovering from it is more difficult than expected. Many assume that addiction is manageable and that they can quit whenever they choose.
However, it can take various forms, from eating to shopping, gambling, and so on, and can significantly impact your mental health. If you’re wondering how to quit an addiction, below are ten helpful steps to guide you.
Accept You Have A Problem
Accepting you have an addiction is the most difficult step of rehabilitation. Substance use disorders impact the brain, forcing it to look for reasons to continue consuming. Admitting you have a problem demonstrates that you have the fortitude to confront your dependency and its root causes.
Several resources are available for assistance; nevertheless, having a strong support system is crucial in whichever therapy technique you select. Talk to a therapist, medical professional, or treatment facility if you aren’t ready to confide in friends or family.
Reflect On Your Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition that affects individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. It often involves a compulsive and harmful pattern of habits that becomes difficult to control or stop. Overcoming addiction requires self-reflection, acknowledging the negative consequences, seeking support from loved ones or professionals, and adopting healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to break free from the addictive cycle.
Meanwhile, one of the easiest ways to reflect is to keep a journal. With a daily journal, you can create a plan by identifying triggers, patterns, motivators, and goals to quit the addiction.
Seek Professional Help
You may consider conquering your addiction alone; however, it is much simpler with professional assistance. A trained professional may assist you in working through what you’re experiencing and treat any deeper mental health concerns, while a physician can help you with your health.
These professionals may recommend various treatment options depending on your particular situation. For instance, you may require rehab for alcohol if you need residential or inpatient treatment to empower you to leave alcohol behind you. This way, you can learn and adopt new, healthier practices to restore and reclaim your life.
Make A List Of The Reasons Why You Wish To Change
Creating a list of reasons to change and overcome addiction is a powerful tool in your journey towards recovery. Grab a pen and paper and reflect on how much better your life will become once you break free from your addiction. Take note of all the disadvantages and negative consequences of your addiction, and make it a daily practice to review and revise that list at least 5-10 times.
By repeatedly exposing yourself to the downsides of your addiction, you’ll reach a point where the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, making it easier to let go of the addictive behaviour. If you prefer privacy, you can use mnemonics to secure your thoughts. You can stick this in vantage places, such as in front of your bedroom mirror, to serve as a daily reminder.
Additionally, to stay motivated, compile a list of positive changes you desire in your life, such as spending more time with loved ones, developing new hobbies, pursuing your dream job, improving your health, increasing your financial stability, experiencing pride and confidence, and enjoying a sense of freedom. This list will inspire you to remain committed to quitting and embracing a more fulfilling life.
Remove Temptations From Your Settings
Your surroundings greatly influence you and can either facilitate or hinder your efforts to overcome addiction. Take a thorough inventory of your living space and eliminate any potential triggers to help you exercise self-control. Discard objects directly associated with your addiction and other items that remind you of it.
For instance, if alcohol is your challenge, dispose of or give away any remaining drinks, donate wine glasses, and remove alcohol-related messages. Similarly, if you’re battling a food addiction, discard junk food by clearing out your kitchen cabinets or wherever you usually store such foods. In the case of porn addiction, consider implementing device filters and disposing of any related magazines. To further support your goals, consider rearranging your environment or incorporating healthy distractions to maintain focus and reinforce positive habits.
Create A Support Network
Don’t hesitate to ask for encouragement and support from your family and friends on your path to recovery. Inform them that you are quitting. If they’re using your addiction object before you, it’s best to be assertive and ask them not to. If you purchase substances, you should consider notifying the vendor that you are quitting and asking them not to call you or sell you drugs anymore.
You should also consult with your healthcare physician about the best quitting technique. The healthcare professional may recommend some drugs to help you through the process and boost your likelihood of success. Meanwhile, a study by the American Addiction Center mentioned addiction support groups as a critical part of several addiction recovery paths. For instance, adding continued social support groups to your formal treatment plan can be terrific for achieving long-term abstinence.
Occupy Yourself With Healthy Habits
Engaging in healthy habits can be a constructive way to combat addiction. Think of this as redirecting your focus and energy toward productive endeavours by occupying yourself with positive activities. Find hobbies, interests, or physical activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, such as exercising, mindfulness or meditation, reading, painting, or spending time with loved ones.
You can also include self-care practices like proper nutrition, regular sleep patterns, and stress-management techniques in your daily routine. By fostering a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being, you can effectively replace addictive habits with healthy ones, ultimately aiding you in overcoming addiction.
Learn To Accept Your Past
Accepting your past is an essential step in the recovery process from addiction. It involves acknowledging the choices and actions that led to your addiction. Understand that dwelling on past mistakes or harbouring guilt and shame will only hinder your progress.
Instead, embrace self-compassion and forgiveness, recognising that everyone makes mistakes and that your past does not define your future. By accepting your past, you can release the burden of shame and guilt, freeing yourself to focus on the present moment and build a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Celebrate Small Wins
No matter how small, each achievement deserves recognition and pride in overcoming addiction. Embrace a mindset that acknowledges the significance of every step you take. Whether staying sober for a day or a week, treat each day as a milestone to be celebrated.
Remember that breaking free from addiction requires immense effort and determination, so rewarding yourself is crucial. Find ways to do something nice for yourself when you meet a goal, and make a point to commemorate each milestone in your journey. By valuing and commemorating your progress, you reinforce your commitment and boost your motivation to continue on the path of recovery.
Be Persistent In Achieving Your Addiction-Free Goals
The mental and physical distress of addiction withdrawal is genuine, and you’ll probably start persuading yourself that it’s appropriate to resume the habit. However, don’t heed the voice advising you to restart, and avoid giving up on pushing yourself when things get difficult. Everything you put into this will be worthwhile, no matter how long it takes.
Remember that you are now creating your best life. It might get tough sometimes, but when it does, you remind yourself why you want to be addiction-free. Whenever you feel like you are about to relapse, contact your therapist and support group, as you have come so far not to give up too easily.
No standard approach to addiction treatment works for everyone. Changes in lifestyle, behavioural therapy, medicines, and support groups can all be part of your treatment plan. Still, it is critical to identify the best strategy for you, and the above tips can prove helpful.