How to Overcome an Addiction

How to Overcome an Addiction
What's your addiction? Whether you're dealing with an addiction to alcohol, tobacco, sex, drugs, lying or gambling, admitting that you have a problem is always the first step to overcoming it, and it is not easy. Now it's time to make a plan for quitting, seek help, and prepare yourself for obstacles you'll surely encounter. If you want to learn how to kick that habit and start living life to the fullest again, keep reading.

If you or someone you love suffers from addiction and you need some advice, see the Additional Resources section at the bottom of this article for organizations that can help

Part One of Three:
Deciding to Quit
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1
Write down the harmful effects of your addiction.[1] It might not feel good to acknowledge all the ways in which your addiction is harming you, but seeing the list on paper will help you resolve to stop as soon as possible. Take out a pen and a piece of paper and brainstorm a list that includes all the negative effects you've experienced since your addiction started.
Think about how your addiction has affected your physical health. Are you at greater risk for getting cancer, heart disease, or another illness as a result of your addiction? Maybe the addiction has already taken a noticeable physical toll.
List the ways in which it has hurt you mentally. Are you embarrassed about your addiction? In many cases addictions lead to shame and embarrassment, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional issues.
How has your addiction affected your relationships with other people? Does it prevent you from spending time with people you love, or having enough time to pursue new relationships?
Some addictions take a big financial toll. List the amount of money you have to spend feeding your addiction every day, week and month. Determine whether your addiction has affected your job.
What daily annoyances are caused by your addiction? For example, if you're a smoker, maybe you're tired of having to leave your office every time you need to light up.

2
Make a list of positive changes you want in your life. Now that you've detailed all the negative effects of your addiction, think about how much your life will improve once you've kicked the habit. Create a picture of your life post-addiction. How do you want it to look?
Maybe you'll feel a sense of freedom you haven't had in years.
You'll have more time to spend on people, hobbies, and other pleasures.
You'll be able to save money again.
You know you're doing everything you can to stay healthy. You'll feel immediate physical improvements.
You'll feel proud and confident again.

3
Write down your quitting commitment. Having a list of solid reasons to quit will help you stick to your plan in the long run. Your reasons for quitting must be more important to you than continuing your addictive behavior. This mental hurdle is tough, but it's a necessary first step to quitting any addiction. No one can make you quit but yourself. [2] Write down the true, solid reasons you're stopping this habit. Only you know what they are. Here are a few examples:
Decide you're quitting because you want to have energy to live life to the fullest again.
Decide you're quitting because you're running out of money to support your habit.
Decide you're quitting because you want to be a better partner to your spouse.
Decide you're quitting because you're determined to meet your grandchildren one day.
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Part Two of Three:
Making a Plan
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1
Set a date to quit. Don't set it for tomorrow, unless you're pretty sure quitting cold turkey will work for you. Don't set it for more than a month from now, because you might lose your resolve by then. Aim for a date in the next couple of weeks. This will give you enough time to become mentally and physically prepared.[3]
Consider picking a date that's meaningful to you, to help motivate you. Your birthday, father's day, your daughter's graduation day, etc.
Mark the day on your calendar