Addiction
And you
So what?
ICYMI – It can be a scary thing, addiction that is. Addiction can ruin your life, break families apart, get you fired from your job and taint your future. It can make you feel like the whole world is against you when you live or deal with an addiction. Knowing what addiction allows you to know whether you’re addicted to something that is harmful or detrimental to your life and those around you and when to seek help. Take a look at our last two posts to read about the signs of addiction.
Get support
The most important aspect of starting your journey of managing your addiction is to create support and social networks. The first port of call is to consider talking to your GP especially for alcohol and drug addictions as you may need medical help in managing and quitting. The rest is up to you and your situation. Your social relationships will determine who you will reach out to in order to seek support. Contact and talk to your family and friends who will support you. Your conversations with them should include your goals and management plan. And make sure to let them know how they can support you and ask if they will be able to do so.
Set a date
You need to start your journey at some point, whether it be today, tomorrow or next week. Setting a date will allow you to begin the process, begin your journey to managing your addiction and quitting it (if that’s your goal). You are making the decision to change and acknowledging that a change is needed to manage your addiction. Take this time to set out a plan. Although quitting your addiction completely may seem the best way to your wellness, managing it by way of controlling or reducing the harm caused by your addiction will improve your health and wellbeing.
Create distractions
Whilst your management plan and how you will go about it will entirely be up to you and your circumstances, one of the most effective and useful tactics that I have come across is to create distractions. Rather than falling for the urge, pair it with healthy and/or productive activities. These can include calling families and friends, going for a walk or exercising. Pairing your triggers and cravings with such alternatives will have a positive impact on your addiction and your life.
My experience
As you may know, I have been intermittently fasting for more than a dozen years. It has helped me and my sugar addiction tremendously. Rather than getting cravings after each meal three times a day, I get cravings twice a day as I skip breakfast. And I distract myself by keeping myself busy during and after lunch so that I don’t munch on sweets. My cravings after dinner is another story. I allow myself three types of sweets which are usually dark chocolate, a couple handfuls of cereal, perfectly ripened fruits and sweets baked by my better half.
What now?
- Are you currently in the process of managing or quitting an addiction?
- If so, how is it going? We’re keen to know more about how you’re travelling.
- If not, why not? What’s stopping you from starting your journey?