Say "No" to Addiction

Overcoming addictions is not easy as what you think sometimes you must consider it as the hardest challenge in your life before continuing. Though how hard it is thousands of people still succeeded in overcoming their addictions.  Most people try and fail a number of times before they succeed. In order to be success in doing this you must have determination for yourself.  You must not just use this as an excuse but it must be from your heart. 
First, it is good that you must admit in yourself that you have  a problem this is the key to start everything. Realizing the potential problem is very important. There are many ways to strengthen yourself and make life more fulfilling, reducing addiction's attractiveness. 


The more positive takes you take the easier success you can be.


Here are some examples:

• ATTEND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS 
• Do not struggle alone. Group members provide encouragement, insight accountability, and friendship. All this can be a powerful help. you can met people who offer emotional support during times of temptations and weakness.

When you first quit your addiction, you will at times feel weak. It may be good to go a support daily- or even more often.

• DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
• This can include people you'll meet in support group meetings as well as others you already know. Take the initiative to stay in touch with loved ones but learn to avoid and diffuse dysfunctional, addiction encouraging situations.

Stay in touch with people who matter with you. Work to improve your relationships. Many addicts tends to isolate themselves but addictions are always feed by feelings of loneliness. 

• INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
• Many addicts have imperfect social skills.

• If you have a serious addiction to alcohol or drugs, it may be best to ENROLL IN DE_TOX OR RECOVERY PROGRAM. Also consider moving temporarily into a treatment facility.

• CHECK INTO OTHER SOURCES OF HELP. When you have difficult challenge, its best to find many sources of advice.

• SEEK ENCOURAGEMENT from INSPIRING QUOTES AND IDEAS and other sources.

• READ BOOKS ON ADDICTION AND PSYCHOLOGY. Books can't deliver all the benefits of psychotherapy -but they can help.

• LEARN HOW THOUGHT PROCESSES AND SITUATIONS TRIGGER ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS so you can defuse them. If you're a substance abuser, remove all traces of the alcohol or drugs from your home.
  
  
• THERAPY AND PEER COUNSELING can be very helpful for resolving emotional problems that cause self-sabotaging behaviors. It is hard for any of us to evaluate ourselves as well as a highly trained, experienced professional can.
  
  
  
• GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EMOTIONS.  Emotions are powerful. They often affect us more than we consciously realize. Long- standing, deep emotional pain often drives addictions. There are ways to resolve this.
  Addicts are often hurt by strong, pent-up emotions such as anger, depression, and feelings of abandonment. (Our emotions are not negative. They’re part of life, but we need to find therapeutic, constructive ways to feel and express them.)
   
• LEARN TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION. Many addicts suffer bouts of serious depression - especially after they stop their addictive activities. But you can overcome depression.If you are depressed, you will not be able to appreciate all the good things life has to offer.

• CONSIDER DOCTOR-PRESCRIBED MEDICATION. I believe even pharmaceutical drugs should be used only when necessary, but if you are seriously depressed, you might consider a prescription for anti-depressant medicine. This can help you to think more clearly. Then you can work more effectively to get to the roots of your depression and frustration.

  
  
• FEEL GOOD about much good you do. Don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes - even serious ones. Learn to relax more and "smell the flowers." Savor the experiences of a clear mind in the "sober" life. 
  
  
• Make helpful CHECKLIST. Refer to your lists regularly - particularly when tempted to forget.
  
  
• CULTIVATE HOBBIES AND INTERESTS as fulfilling alternatives to your addiction.

• JOIN ACTIVITIES YOU FIND INTERESTING. It is a good way to meet new people you already share an interest with. You may not meet someone special every time, but at least you can enjoy the activity! Sharing an activity makes it easier to get to know new people.

• MEETING LIKE_MINDED PEOPLE can bring new, emotionally supportive friendships.
  A good example of uplifting fellowship is a Bible study/prayer group. "Organized religion" may seem out-of-style, but you can find warm, caring people who will help you grow in spiritual and practical ways. You can find great power in others praying with and for you. Let friends know you are quitting so they can develop a support network.
  You may want to visit several congregations before you find one that feels best for you. Of course, beware of cults and fanatics that offer a quick and easy fix if you surrender blindly to their leaders.

• Get involved in VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES where your contributions are meaningful and appreciated. Helping others is a good way to help ourselves. It provides meaning, structure and an additional reason to be strong.
  Volunteer work provides plenty of contact with others.Avoid volunteering where there is close contact with temptations. For example, an ex-alcoholic should avoid volunteering next door to where drinking buddies hang out.
   
• In fact, BE WARE OF "AID'S"(apparently irrelevant decisions), like an ex-alcoholic driving by a bar he liked because that's a more scenic route or a sex-addict taking a "short cut" through an area with prostitutes.
    
• Many addicts find it necessary to END CONTACT WITH ADDICTION BUDDIES.

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Eat better. Exercise. Have appropriate concern for your appearance.
   Just as fixing up run-down neighborhoods often brings lower crime rates, our own personal surroundings can affect our behavior. You need not spend a lot to make your home more beautiful and comfortable. If it is messy, clean it up.
  
  
• IF YOU BELIEVE, God can be a powerful source of help.IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE, try asking God for help, anyway. This can help focus you on positive belief in change. And feel free to tell Him about your doubts and frustrations.
  God can do anything, the Bible assures us, but you have to ask - and be open to Him and His solutions for you. Ask God for the wisdom to know what's right to do - and for the ability and opportunity to succeed.
    
• MEDITATION can be a source of relaxation.

  
  

If you find yourself giving in to your addiction, remember that every moment is an opportunity to resume your recovery. Do not beat yourself up. This only leads to more emotional pain and the temptation to give in again - a vicious cycle.

 Each step you take brings you closer to success.