Addiction is defined as the obsessive conduct or activities that are extremely hard to control (Wong et al., 2013). These behaviors or activities are always in the mind of the individual hence interfering with their daily routines and social connections. The consistent thoughts, obsession, and interferences caused by the addiction pose a considerable threat that can overturn or take over the life of the individual (Poland & Graham, 2011). Addiction can be both positive or negative, but most often, it is negative. Addiction is an activity or behavior that an individual becomes dependent on to have a driving force and fully satisfy their inner desires (Szalavitz, 2017). The activity or behavior provides a sense of belonging, control, and security. Nonetheless, this sense of control and security are temporary illusions that threaten emotional health. Addictions overshadow the most important things in life that need to be given a priority like family, friends, responsibilities, and commitments (Poland & Graham, 2011). Addictions develop in different ways, but often there are life specific events such as the loss of a parent or environmental pressures that threaten an individual’s sense of security can trigger the development of compulsive behaviors. People experience different types of addictions, such as social media, drugs and substance abuse, work, pornography, and video games, among others. The urge to engage in addictive behaviors is fueled by poor self-image, low esteem, wavering self-confidence, and the irresistible craving to relieve the stress or anxiety. The addiction becomes the coping mechanism to muddle through the uncertainties in life, and they divert the attention away from the real issues that need to be handled (Wong et al., 2013). Overcoming addiction is challenging, and it requires time, hard work, and unwavering effort. These steps, when diligently followed, can help people overcome addictions they might be facing. Despite the effectiveness of the six steps, it does not act as a substitute for professional assistance from experts in the various fields like therapists or counselors. Addictions are responsible for destroying the social life, health, and careers of individuals, thereby making it vital to find ways to overcome these addictions.
Essential steps towards overcoming addictions
The first and most critical step is the ability to identify the addiction and acknowledging that it exists. Once the addiction has been identified, the person needs to acknowledge its existence and impacts on his/her daily routine, social life, or career. After the addiction has been identified, it should also be categorized as mild, moderate, extreme, or out of control, depending on the magnitude of its impact (Szalavitz, 2017). Identify how the addiction is further developed, the part played by various individuals in triggering or developing the addiction, and the possible solutions to end the addiction. The desire to end the addiction plays a huge part in providing compelling reasons and motivation to help stay the course. This step, when properly handled, hastens the process of transforming and eventually overcoming the addiction (Szalavitz, 2017).
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The second step is taking responsibility for the actions or behaviors and ceasing to blame circumstances or other individuals, trying to justify every action and making excuses. Rather than attempting to justify the addiction, try taking responsibility for the personal actions or choices that eventually led to the addiction. Past decisions, choices, or actions cannot be changed, but the present can be changed, making it an optimal opportunity to make a change in life. It is also important to forgive yourself for the role played in developing the addiction, other people who have been influenced by the addiction, and seeking the necessary support (Szalavitz, 2017). Subsequently, conduct a thorough self-evaluation that comprehensively evaluates yourself in all aspects of life. In overcoming any addiction, there is a need for clarity to be achieved, therefore conduct an internal monologue in the form of a question and answer that will help in finding out how the addiction developed (Szalavitz, 2017). The question and answer monologue should be comprehensive enough to include fears, desired goals or outcomes, thoughts, needs, beliefs, and behaviors. When clarity is achieved in these core areas of life, one can deeply understand their addiction and its characteristics (Szalavitz, 2017). Examples of questions include, what triggers the addiction? What role do I play in developing the addiction? What patterns depict my addiction? How can I avoid the triggers? What are my thoughts on the addiction? What goes through my mind prior, during, and after engaging in the addictive behavior? What is my expected outcome? These questions and many more give insightful feedback that helps understand why people indulge in compulsive behaviors (Szalavitz, 2017). This is then followed by formulating a behavior that substitutes the addiction after a thorough self-assessment. It is hard to change habits since they are deeply planted in the brain hence making them hard to change (Szalavitz, 2017). This is why one habit needs to be replaced with another in order for the craving that was satisfied with the addiction to be satisfied by the current habit (Wong et al., 2013). Changing habits is tough and requires the use of precise steps in addition to hard work and effort in order to quicken the process. Subsequently, evaluate the consequences that will occur if the addiction does not come to an end. Consider how the addiction impacts the mental, physical, financial, social, spiritual, and psychological health of everyone in the long term.
Finally, start making gradual proactive and positive steps towards developing new and healthy behaviors until eventually, they become a habit. The process will be strict and at times, temptations may overtake. An essential step is acknowledging that the addiction happened, recognizing what actions or choices resulted in that, correcting the course, and once again striving to stay on course (Wong et al., 2013).
References
Kalwar, S. (2010). Quote Me Everyday .
Poland, J. S., & Graham, G. (Eds.). (2011). Addiction and responsibility . MIT Press.
Szalavitz, M. (2017). Squaring the circle: addiction, disease, and learning. Neuroethics , 10 (1), 83-86.
Wong, P. T., Nee, J. J., & Wong, L. C. (2013). A meaning-centered 12-step program for addiction recovery. In The positive psychology of meaning and addiction recovery: Selected papers from meaning conferences (pp. 241-276). Birmingham, AL: Purpose Research.
