Are you struggling with addiction?

If you find comfort in numbers, it might help to know that you’re not alone. About 21 million Americans have a substance addiction problem. Even if your addiction isn’t substance-related (gambling or sex addiction, for example), there are lots of people going through a similar situation.

Here’s the thing, though. Addiction isn’t a life sentence.

As long as you seek the right treatment and have the will to pursue recovery, you can overcome it. Continue reading to learn a couple of important tips for overcoming addictions and taking control of your life.

1. Understand the Nature of Your Addiction

The first step to overcoming addiction is to develop an intricate understanding of the nature of your addiction.

What type of addiction do you have? How bad is it? What are your triggers? What does the addiction do to your physical and mental wellbeing?

Although some addictions are fairly easy to diagnose, others require the intervention of a specialist. It’s also possible that you might be struggling with more than one addiction without your knowledge. For instance, it’s not uncommon for people who have an addiction to opiates to also have a behavioral addiction.

2. Get Treatment

After a professional diagnosis, the next step is to get treatment. Treatment programs vary depending on the type of addiction, as well as its severity.

Keep in mind that making the decision to start treatment isn’t the hard part. The biggest challenge is sticking to the treatment plan.

To improve your chances of making a successful recovery, it’s crucial to choose a treatment/rehab center that suits your needs. If your program requires you to be an inpatient, ensure the center has facilities that suit your lifestyle.

3. Have a Support System

The road to addiction recovery can be long and bumpy. There are times you’ll feel like giving up and going back to your old ways. Relapse is an ever-present threat.

This is why you need to have a solid support system. Stay close to friends, relatives, and even counselors who can step in to be with you when the going gets tough.

4. Avoid Your Triggers

A trigger is anything that your brain associates with the reward of addiction.

If you’re an alcohol addict, for example, a trigger can be anything that reminds you of your drinking days.

Let’s say you used to drink at a certain bar. If you drive by it and get the urge to pop in for ‘just one’ drink, that’s your trigger. To avoid the trigger, use a different route.

Although it’s not entirely possible to avoid all your triggers, try as much as possible to remove yourself from situations that remind you of what you’re getting away from.

Make a list of healthy activities you can engage in when you’re triggered. Going for a jog, biking around your neighborhood, or swimming are all ideal distractions.

Overcoming Addictions: You Can Do It!

Overcoming addiction isn’t a sprint. It’s a long journey that requires you to develop the right mindset. You’ll encounter challenges along the way, relapses even, but if you can put these tips to practice, there’s a good chance you’ll overcome these challenges.

Good luck and keep reading our blog for more tips and insights.