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.