4 Tips for Breaking Addiction
By Genevieve Cunningham
Addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people are addicted to drugs or cigarettes. Others may be addicted to caffeine or a natural stimulant. And still others may be addicted to something like food or TV. Whatever the addiction, most can agree that being dependent on any one thing isn’t good for the body or mind. But there’s no denying that breaking addiction is incredibly difficult. If you’d like to break an addiction to something in your life, take a look at these tips to help you along the way.
Make Up Your Mind
Nothing is going to change unless and until you completely make up your mind to change it. If you’re flirting with the idea of breaking an addiction, do some research, talk to some friends, and try to make some progress in your decision-making. Once you’ve made up your mind to do something, the entire process becomes a lot more manageable.
Find a Substitution
Sometimes one of the first steps to breaking an addiction is to find something to take its place. Trying to quit nicotine? Use a patch or gum, and then wean yourself off. Quitting caffeine? Replace your morning cup of joe with decaf. Substitutions are often the first step in eliminating the addiction and creating a new healthier habit instead.
Get Some Friendly Support
Everything is easier when you have support behind you. If you’re trying to quit a bad habit, get your family and friends onboard. Ask them to support you and help you through the process. Ask them to offer motivation and encourage you when it’s tough. Creating a support system gives you the motivation to keep going even when you don’t think you can do it anymore.
Get Professional Help
When it’s just too difficult and you can’t do it on your own, reach out for some help. There’s no harm or shame in getting the help you need. Often times the stronger the addiction, the harder it is to break it. Coffee or smoking? You might be able to do it on your own. Drugs or alcohol? It might be more beneficial to get some professional help.
Breaking an addiction is hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. Use these tips to help you get started, and always consult with a doctor if your addiction is severe or life threatening. With some persistence and patience, you can break the addiction and live a happier and healthier life from here on out.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Carbon, Ill.