Image Credit: Pixabay
Overcoming any addiction takes courage and commitment. But, it doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with alcohol addiction, drug or anything else; it’s important to realize you’re not alone.
In fact, you should be pleased to find out that statistics estimate 1 in 10 Americans have an addiction problem.
The difference between you and them is that you are seeking the answers and looking to become ‘clean’. That’s what we’re here to help you with these 10 tips:
1. Accept Your Addiction
You’re already completing the first step and covering the most important tip on your route to recovery. By reading this you or someone you know is ready to accept that they have an addiction.
This is the biggest hurdle to recovery; if you can’t accept you have an addiction then you won’t be able to commit to the necessary steps and succeed in recovering.
2. Start The Process Straight Away
As soon as you know you have an issue you need to take steps to start your recovery. This means joining a support group and talking to your family and friends. They are probably already aware of the issue and will be glad that you are accepting it.
Talking to them makes the issue public; this is scary but you’ll have their support and be taking steps towards an early recovery from addiction.
3. Find The Right Treatment Centre
It is uncommon to beat your addiction by yourself. You should locate a good treatment center which can help you. You can find out more about one of the best if you click here.
You don’t need to book an extended stay in your chosen center; it is possible to visit them as needed, call them for support or simply use their counseling service.
The amount of support you need from the treatment center will depend on the level of your addiction and how long you have had it. The earlier you start the easier it is to stop the addiction.
4. Consider A Sponsor
Many addicts find it useful to have a sponsor. This is often someone who has experienced addiction themselves. They can offer you something you really want; it could simply be peace of mind, love or even a new car.
But to get it you’ll need to beat your addiction.
The sponsor will provide you with an incentive to do so and should always be there to support you in achieving this goal.
5. Build A Support Group
There will be times when your sponsor is not available and this is when you need to turn to your support group.
Every addict has one in the form of the counseling sessions they attend. However what helps you make an early recovery is connecting with the people in your group. Don’t sit on the sidelines, become an active member of the group and even help to set the meetings up.
You’ll find there are plenty of people you can turn to when you’re feeling tempted and can’t get hold of your sponsor.
6. Follow The Steps
Every recovery plan involves a serious of steps. There may be 12, 9, or even just 3. The point is those steps form part of your recovery.
You need to commit to completing every step. It is possible to gloss over some of them and appear to have completed them. Unfortunately, the only person you’ll really be fooling is yourself.
You need to complete all the steps to become free of your addiction. Apply yourself to one at a time and you’ll experience an early recovery.
7. Set Goals
The obvious goal is to become addiction free. However, this can seem like a daunting task. It is easier to break this down into small tasks.
For example, if you are an alcoholic then your mini goal is simply to go a day without a drink. You can then extend this to two days or even a week.
Every time you achieve your goal you can give yourself a reward; just make sure it’s not a drink!
8. Help Others
Great way of speeding up your own recovery is to help others with theirs. This will help to remove your mind from your own addiction and remind you of the power of addiction.
You’ll find that as you start recovering helping other addicts will keep you from regressing.
9. Consider Your Health
Addicts often neglect their health as their focus becomes centered completely on their addiction. This is why it is important to consider your health and start looking at what you are eating and even drinking.
Exercising may be a step too far as you start your recovery but it is something you can work up to and will help you to stay healthy in the future as well as addiction free.
10. Try New Hobbies
Finally, it is worth taking up a new hobby or two. This is a great distraction technique to remove your attention from the addiction issues you have.
By immersing yourself in a hobby you can help yourself to make an early recovery from addiction and really start living your life again. (See also: 5 Reasons Why Meditation Can Help Beat Your Addiction)
About The Author:
Jesse Hughes has carved out its niche in the Fitness and Health world with a dynamic, exuberant style, unfettered by fleeting trends and underpinned by a unique creativity.
Jesse believes that being healthy is a lifestyle. He offers everyday health and wellness advice. He believes that great looks is not just about what people see physically, but having a glow that radiates from within reflecting the health of the body.
