Do you or a loved one suffer from the disabling and debilitating effects of addiction?
Well, this is a very common, persistent, and at times dangerous condition, and you are not alone.
However, it is also not something to be ashamed of.
Do you have the motivation?
I am sure you do – but it is not necessarily the most important thing, as motivation will come and go all the time. You will probably find your motivation comes and goes.
Even when you don’t feel like it, you can do it, even when you really want to use the addictive substance or behaviour.
So that is the good news.
Willpower.
This is a lot like our friend, motivation: whilst you will need some of it, again it will come and go.
Sometimes if your sleep is poor, you get a flat tyre, your child is sick, or you run late, you can feel like you have zero willpower.
Remember: sometimes your motivation and your willpower are down because of circumstances and the natural energy-zappers in life.
However, you can still keep going even when you feel your willpower reservoir is almost empty.
Triggers:
This can be more important than motivation and willpower to watch out for.
Are you wanting to give up drinking, yet visiting a hotel every week? Triggers are hard-wired into our brain, so if you are not careful,
you will find yourself in a relapse before you even recognise what has happened!!
Routines. Habits. Consistency. Triggers. These HAVE to be managed, or they manage and control you.
So, how do we get rid of this addiction?
Strategies:
- Set yourself up for success! Plan for temptations and avoid them
- Money an issue – don’t carry a credit card as that encourages impulsive spending
- Alcohol – don’t keep going to places where alcohol is served, or keep alcohol in the house – or if you do go to those places, make sure you plan well ahead of what you are going to have
- Plan ahead – setup for accountability and success
- Temptations after work – if that your hardest time, make sure you set yourself up for something such as tea on the patio, a long shower, meditation, swim – make a PLAN
- Remember the truth: the truth is that addictions such as drinking, drugs, do not end well, even though it promises so much, it delivers mostly bad outcomes
- Addictive cravings – these will go in time, while you have them keep yourself busy, phone a support friend, stay out of the house, take up a hobby
- Think of Alternatives – walking, swimming, watching t.v., writing your life story, ringing a friend, going to the library, working out
You know the addiction isn’t working, that it has become a burden you no longer need, and it does not serve you anymore. Time to kick the habit, replace with new habits, and become clean
You can do this – phone for help and support if you want one-to-one counselling: 9581 7347
Great resources from Amber Hollingsworth. Family Recovery Academy Online
