Addictions can completely ruin us. Whether it’s video games, drugs, alcohol, or something else that could be abusive, it’s difficult to tackle these problems on our own, let alone admit to them. However, there will be situations in life that will really wake you up and make you realize a couple of things. First, you’re never alone. No matter how scared you are of dealing with your addictions or how hard it is to cope with the mental side of things, there is help out there willing to give you a hand.
If you feel like you’re struggling, then it’s important to seek guidance. You could visit a rehab center or you could speak with your family doctor. Either way, if your addictions are getting out of hand and ruining your life or health, then you need to seek professional advice immediately.
However, if you believe you’re in the early stages of addiction and want to learn how to approach it from a holistic perspective, then here are a couple of tips that can improve your chances of breaking those bad habits.
1. Ask yourself why you want to change
Everyone knows that addictions can be terrible things, but why do you want to heal yourself? Why makes you want to get better?
You need to actively remind yourself why you want to get better and why you want to break those bad habits. Is it for your family? Is it because you’re suffering from health problems? Or is it because you want to provide a better future for your children and prevent them from learning the same bad habits you’ve picked up?
Your source of motivation for wanting to break an addiction will immensely improve your chances of breaking your habits, so make sure to constantly remind yourself why you want to get better.
2. Embrace and learn from failures
Think about the past and your previous attempts; what worked and what didn’t? Try something new if your repeated attempts aren’t working very well, and give yourself some time to learn from the mistakes that you’ve made.
Some people are also afraid of failure, despite not having tried at all. It’s crucial that you embrace your failures and learn from them so that you have a better chance of breaking your addiction in the future. To not try is to automatically fail, so give yourself a chance.
Do you have common symptoms of food addiction? Find out here
3. Let your friends and family know
Even if you hate their overbearing nature, friends and family can assist you in overcoming addictions. They’ll provide the mental assistance needed to bolster your resolve and help you through tough times.
Commit to recovery and let them know about your plans and how you want to overcome your addiction. They’ll be able to offer emotional support. They can give you advice if they’ve been through similar situations, and they’ll help you deal with any shortcomings that they may see in you. Their support is priceless.
I couldn’t agree more Christy! AA/NA wasnt something I could handle either. The more I heard the word “drugs” the more I wanted to go get high. Finding your own way to deal with your addictions is so important. Following you!
Thank you for following and for the supportive comment ~ Your words make a lot of sense!
When women inspire they inspire me! I am an individual that battled many addictions for several decades. I have overcome my addictions (though this blogging thing has a hold on me right now), and now have a sense of purpose to spread hope and happiness. I know it’s up to each individual, but I am an example of transformational recovery from a life of despair and hopelessness. Thanks for your post!
Hi Darryl, thank you for sharing about your story and how blogging is helping you! Cheers – keep being amazing :)
wow, this post really struck a chord with me. I decided after losing my mum to addiction it was time to finally be brave enough to write about my experience in the hopes that it raises awareness.
Good for you for deciding to make a positive difference. I’m glad you found value in this post!
Good advice, I am following you. Deb
Hi Christy…
Excellent article and love the approach of holistic healing. People who care about you and have seen the building signs genuinely love you and will if asked support you. I was able to win the battle through nature and isolation away from all other influences. I would never recommend going it alone as I did it could have been much easier if I had swallowed my pride and sought help. Needless to say I have been 42 years sober and free of drugs…
Hugs as always
I’m well versed (and supportive) in the ways of AA and its many spinoffs, yet also find myself with increasing curiosity in other approaches to addiction. Your “holistic” approach makes s welcome contribution.
I appreciate your including video games in your list of examples. So often when one stops the initial addictive behavior, the addiction just jumps over to another behavior. You’ve offered much to chew on. I thank you.
Great advice Christy. It is very hard to give an advice to an addicted person when one can´t relate to what he or she has suffered from. The best thing we can do is to help that person and wish that that person will be successful.
Yes, support really can play a huge role in recovery. Great to see you here, Thelma!
Great post! I did an interview with an opioid addict a few weeks ago. I have yet to post it. I really enjoyed getting an inside view of their perspective.
Honestly, wonderful in theory, but action must be taken!
Elaborating on step 1: If your reason is, “I’m quitting because it hurts my family.” you’ve already lost the battle. It must be for YOU and you alone. -The Reason…
I’ve never been one to count sober days or do AA- it doesn’t work for me… Your method must be something unique to you… My problem with AA was, everyone sat around in a circle and talked about beer… Well when I hear beer enough times, naturally, I want to go get a beer.
Not knocking it for those that it works for. These guidelines will help the right people at the right time! Great insights like these are needed for people to stumble on in their darkest night searching for answers!!!
Here’s to um a few years sober? Not sure anymore, it slips my mind…
Blessings Christy!
Great post, Christy. I remember reading a survey that said what kills us is not a certain disease or illness but lack of a social life. How important it is to have friends and family for soul nourishment.
Such great advice. I feel like I have an addictive personality, and so I’m very wary of starting any new ‘hobbies.’
I have a 46 year old daughter who has been in recovery for 26 years and she’s done it on her own. And a 42 year old son who was the “star” of the family until 5 years ago when he had his first downward BiPolar spiral, started self medicating and still struggles but is finally seriously and by his own decision (the only way it’s going to happen) trying to get to recovery. How they both got there is another story, another day.
Thank you for a Great article – I will share it on My Wonderful Messy Life with your permission.
Thank you in advance for the share – yes, you don’t need to ask my permission. I am sending support to you and family on a journey that takes strength day after day after… <3
Great post! Nice one Christy.
Great post! I agree with all your points, and I think the first one you mentioned is really important. Reminding ourselves of the “why” is a powerful way to motivate ourselves to keep going.
Such a nice post🔝well explained 💯
Great article https://www.pinterest.com/pin/232850243218587731/
The share is appreciated!
Beautiful article! This is such a great approach to self care
Having others know so you can be held accountable is a good idea, but also so people can provide some support and encouragement.
Great post Christy. I always suggest that people begin to build a network of some close friends they can talk with openly and honestly, those who understand the issues that come with addiction. I’ve been a recovery coach since 2011 and it helps to talk to someone because not everyone understands the compulsions and the obsessions that come with addiction. Thanks for sharing this information. ~ Blessings, KK
Communication is key. Thanks for sharing your background on this matter, Kathleen, and giving a nod to the way the article is penned. Blessings!