How to Live With an Addictive Personality

"Addictive personality" is a catch-all term that is used to describe people who tend to become psychologically dependent on outside influences. Although substance abuse, including drugs or alcohol, is the most common manifestation of an addictive personality, it is possible to become addicted to almost anything. Shopping, sex, gambling and even bad relationships are relatively common addictions. Overcoming an addictive personality is difficult, but learning to live with an addictive personality is possible with hard work and dedication.

Instructions

• 1

  Know your addictions. Although some people easily trade one addiction for another, most addictive personalities are naturally drawn to one or a few specific activities. Monitor your own behavior to determine which of your activities have become addictions.

• 2

  Limit your exposure to your addictions. It may be difficult or impossible to completely remove activities such as Internet browsing or shopping from your life. Instead, install a timer program on your web browser to track the length of each session, or decide which specific shops you will visit before entering the mall. Addictive substances, such as alcohol or drugs, should be entirely removed from your home.

• 3

  Enlist outside help. One of the hallmarks of an addictive personality is the innate ability to justify or rationalize addictive behavior. A friend or relative can help monitor your behavior, talk you through withdrawals, distract your attention in moments of weakness or simply offer a sympathetic ear. Set ground rules in advance, as you will likely try to manipulate your support person into giving you what you want.

• 4

  Take the opportunity to step outside your normal comfort zone. By definition, addictions are repetitive patterns of behavior. When you are busy feeding an addiction, you are allowing the rest of life to pass by. Seek out new friends, experiences and situations. Try new activities. Take a vacation. Intentionally expose yourself to the things that you were missing while in the throes of your addictions.

• 5

  Be on guard for new addictions. Although you may naturally gravitate toward specific habits, if those are no longer available, you may substitute either similar or very different new habits. Take active steps to moderate the time you spend on any new activity.