People with a substance use disorder often find overcoming it more challenging than they thought. In most cases, people feel addiction is a myth and that they can quit whenever they want, or they are an exception to the rule. Other than substance use, one can get addicted to gambling, sex, exercise, shopping, and eating. No two cases of addiction are exactly alike. MindMD Wellness offers individualized Beverly Hills addiction treatment after carefully assessing your circumstance.
Overcoming addiction is challenging, but recognizing a problem and learning about the quitting process are important first steps in recovery.
Why is it difficult to overcome an addiction?
Addiction is a disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment, and a person’s life experiences. It changes the brain’s reward system, increasing the desire for substances or experiences. As such, an individual engages in harmful behaviors despite negative consequences. Brain changes affect impulse control and judgment, making quitting much more challenging. Although the journey to recovering from addiction can be a tall order, the condition is treatable. With the right treatment approach and supportive resources, you can overcome your physical and mental challenges.
Starting the quitting process
When making any change, you need to pre-contemplate before contemplating. These are the early stages of the process, during which you might be in denial about the effects of your addiction. As you recognize your problems, you might struggle with ambivalence even as you become more aware of your need to overcome the addiction. You can only begin preparing to take action once you decide to change.
Decide to change
Deciding to change is one of the most important steps in overcoming an addiction. Acknowledging a change is needed means that you realize that there is a problem and have the desire to address it. Making the decision and envisioning what it will look like takes time; this is known as the contemplation stage, which involves much thinking.
When setting goals, set ones that you will achieve; ambitious plans are not always the best. Most often, setting ambitious goals results in quitting, and one may relapse, which is more dangerous.
Prepare for the change.
Once you have decided and are clear on your goal, you need to prepare for the change. For example, you may need to get rid of addictive substances within your vicinity and eliminate triggers that may cause you to use those substances again. You may also need to change your routine to have less contact with people or settings that trigger your cravings.
Seek social support
Some associations for many people struggling with addiction revolve around addictive behaviors. In such cases, it helps to set boundaries within those relationships and join a self-help group. You can also reach out to friends and family who can support your goals. You also want to inform those friends who you engage in addictive behavior with about the change.
If you are living with addiction and are in the process of overcoming an addiction, visit your specialist at MindMD Wellness for treatment to reduce the effects of addiction.
