How to Fight off Addiction

Addiction is a medical condition of the brain characterized by chronic relapsing. The effects of addiction on decision-making and learning may explain the many difficulties in overcoming it. A lifetime commitment is essential in long-term recovery and requires consistent hard work to make healthy decisions.

Instructions

• 1

  Reach out for support. Investigate the many groups and organizations who offer support for those engaged in fighting addiction. Consider counseling. Explore the possibility that medication may be in order.

• 2

  Commit to change. Make a decision that reflects a great desire to combat and resist addiction. Take a critical inventory of the things that need to change to support the fight against addiction.

• 3

  Look for strength in faith. Determine a "higher power" in life, but understand that it need not be God, but rather a loving spirit that is personally defined.

• 4

  Take charge and regain power. Understand that change may be a difficult and slow progress, but acknowledge the potential and power to constantly move forward.

• 5

  Construct (or re-construct) a set of values to help fight addiction. Make a list of what is most important in life and then fashion statements to declare the particular value. Consider achievement, health, responsibility to family, self-respect, consciousness and community as possible values.

• 6

  Spend some time getting in touch with feelings frozen by addiction. Think about emotions, reactions to various situations and the feelings that follow. Expect to re-learn how to deal with feelings.

• 7

  Investigate acupuncture, which has been successfully used to treat addiction. Research the subject and look into the various offerings in the community. Make an appointment to visit with an acupuncturist.