How to overcome an addiction?

Addiction to anything can be harmful and have serious consequences. It is essential to nip it in the bud when one realizes that he/she is getting addicted to something. But how to overcome addiction? Is it really possible? Overcoming addiction is certainly not a piece of cake, but with constant determination and strong will, one can overcome any kind of addiction. Once you overcome the addiction you feel a lot more free and happier. The destructive behaviour which was doing you harm comes to an end and that is your largest achievement of all. 

Here are a few ways you can try and see what suits you the best.

1. Get help from your friends

Your friends can be your greatest support at this point. Friends help each other through thick and thin. Talking to them, sulking and crying your heart out in front of them surely helps at times. Friends are not just for the happy times spent together. True friends stick by you even when you aren’t doing well. So do not hesitate to seek help from them. Sometimes all you need is someone to remind you that it will get better. Find that 'someone' and talk to them.

2. Try reading books

Books can be great buddies too. And when you are scared of opening up to others, books serve as amazing reminders to stay on the right track. Whenever you feel that you are falling weak, especially during addictive temptations, place your favourite book next to the object that causes you addictive temptation and remind yourself that one is your best friend (the book) while the other is your greatest enemy (the addictive object).

3. Be liable to someone

Do you know what is the greatest and strongest motivator for high performance? It is the annual review. Various therapy groups use accountability as a means to keep people sober, clear-headed and on the rehabilitation track. You must find a guide, a mentor to assist you with the program and guide you towards physical, mental, and spiritual health.

4. Know your weak spots and work on them

Only you can identify the danger zones and weak spots that lead you to the addiction. You can list these down in your diary along with suggestions of activities to replace the addictions. For example, if you are addicted to smoking early in the morning, try drinking a glass of fresh juice, which doesn’t blend well with cigs. Listen to some soothing music while you drive so as to avoid smoking then. An evening walk or run can replace the 5 pm smoke break. At night grab yourself a bar of chocolate rather than taking a sip of alcohol.

5. Sweat it out!

Working out is a great way to get rid of an addiction. There is no stress buster as effective as exercise. Aerobics workout provides an antidepressant effect. Do you think you would dare to take a puff or gulp down a beer bottle after all the effort and sweat you put into exercising? I doubt that. The urge towards such addictions dies. You can even try out meditating and yoga for that matter. It rejuvenates your mind and body making you feel much lighter and better after a good one hour workout.

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And above all, do not stress much over your addiction. It will only make you crankier and do more harm than good. Deal with it positively and you will see the difference for yourself.