While some people are addicted to drugs and other substances due to mistakes they made as teens or adolescents, other people are simply victims of happenstance. These people get injured at some point in their life, and find themselves addicted to the painkillers and drugs that were originally supposed to heal them from their malady. They are then forced to spend a lifetime fighting addiction, despite doing nothing to deserve that in life. Here are a few tips for those struggling to overcome those addictions.
Tell someone
It is extremely important to have someone that you can trust know that you are struggling with addiction. They can be there during those dark hours when you feel like there is no way you will ever beat the addiction and you might as well give in to it. They can also help you have somebody to report to. People tend to do better at everything when they have to report the results to someone, and addiction is no different. Find someone you can trust and tell them[1] what you are struggling with and request their assistance in overcoming the addiction.
Understand the long term
For many people, the fear of what long-term use of the substance they are addicted to can do to them is enough to help them overcome the addiction. You can find a full list of the long-term, dangerous effects of opiates here. You will quickly realize that your entire life will eventually be affected by the continued use of drugs. There will be physical and emotional problems that arise. When the urge to follow your addiction arises, think of the long-term consequences and allow those thoughts to steer you away from the addiction.
Fill your time
To truly overcome addiction you have to understand where your addictive behavior often comes from. For most people it starts to come when they are alone and have nothing to do. Boredom drives the addiction. This means that in order to overcome an addiction you must not only stop the bad habit, but fill the void with a good habit. Consider taking up a hobby that you have always wanted. Even better, try taking up a sport or a form of exercise that you enjoy. Not only will that fill your time, but it will make you feel more healthy physically and emotionally.
Exercise
To add to the previous option, exercise is virtually essential[2] for successful addiction recovery. Exercise helps you discipline your body and puts your mind in charge of your body. Addiction is the exact opposite. Addiction is typically some form of bodily desire that overcomes your mind’s willpower to resist it. As you exercise and develop discipline and diligence, you will find that you are able to better control your addiction. An added bonus is that you will be more in shape. Addiction is tough. Many people struggle with it. Never feel like you are alone. You would be surprised how many people you know may be struggling with addictions, or other similar problems themselves. If you don’t know anyone that can help you then there are plenty of online support groups and hotlines that can help talk you through your problems. Many local churches will offer similar services as well.
