Living with an Addiction

(583 Words)
Living with an addiction is a challenge unlike no other. Such an affliction may be with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food or another vice. A lifelong battle, it can affect all aspects of life including the personal, social and business parts. It is important for those with an addiction to manage it and not to let it manage them. Try the following strategies:
Join a support group
A support group can provide you with the foundation that you need to live life despite your addiction. Support groups exist for many different addictions. These include Alcoholics Anonymous. Go to as many meetings as you need. Many people will continue to go to meetings long after they have given in to the addiction because it is what keeps them clean.
You should also look for support from your loved ones. If your family and friends are willing to help you then let them.
Keep yourself away from your triggers
To the extent possible, keep yourself away from the object of your addiction. This may be impossible such as if you are addicted to eating too much food. Obviously you cannot not eat. If you are addicted to gambling, then you should avoid going to casinos altogether. If you are not in a place that you can gamble, then you will not.
Sometimes you can avoid your triggers to some extent. For instance, if you are addicted to alcohol, then avoid bars and parties where drinking will be prevalent. You may not want to give up all restaurants, however, and thus you will have the opportunity to drink. The more you can avoid being around it, the more you will be able to resist.
Remember why you are resisting it
You may find it easier to live with your addiction if you remember why it is so important not to give into it. For many, their family is the most important part of their lives. Keep up photographs. Every time you feel the urge to give in, then think about your family.
Create distractions
One way to help yourself when living with an addiction is to find ways to distract yourself when you want to give in to it. For instance, if you are addicted to cigarettes, then munch on some vegetables instead. If you want to gamble, then instead play a video game or watch television.
Know that you can always get back on track
Because an addiction is a lifelong battle, you may be faced with times that you slip up. What is important is to not give up when you do this. For instance, if you gamble away $100, then do not just say you have failed and gamble away $1000 more. Instead decide that you are going to turn it around then. You can start over even with a little slip up. The most important thing is to not let yourself go completely backward.
Get help if you need it
Sometimes an addiction is just too severe. In cases such as a drug habit, your very life could be in danger. If it gets to that point, then find the strength to get help. No one “wants” to go to rehab, but if it saves your life, then it is the right decision. You can ask for help from a family member or from a physician.
Living with an addiction takes strength. You must always be aware of yourself and try to control your life so that it does not control you.