1. Acknowledge and Confront the Addiction
Addictions come in all varieties--from drug and alcohol dependency to addiction to shopping and online games. But none of them can be dealt with properly until the addict recognizes the condition and resolves to change. If you think you may be exhibiting addictive behavior, confront it for what it is and take stock of how it may be affecting other parts of your life. Once you have committed to change, you can seek out appropriate methods that deal with your particular addiction.
2. Seek Out Treatment
Addiction is rarely a matter of simple willpower, even if it entails something like shopping or pornography instead of drugs or alcohol. It reflects a psychological compulsion that may have deep and abiding behavioral roots. In cases of substance addiction, it can literally rewrite the brain, creating physical need as well as psychological compulsion. Look for treatment options that involve professional aid, not just the support of family or friends. With substance abuse, it will likely involve a detox center followed by time in a rehab clinic. For addictions such as shopping or online gaming, you should speak to a professional therapist, preferably one with experience in dealing with your particular kind of addiction. You may also wish to join a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which involves meeting with fellow addicts in a controlled and affirming environment. Specific types of treatment vary and may entail a combination of different approaches.
3. Seek Out Alternate Activities
If you're trying to deal with an addiction, it helps to have something healthier with which to fill that time. Boredom and a lack of structure can easily lead you back to your addiction. Instead, find new things to do. Start exercising, take classes or learn to paint. Keep a journal or write in a blog about your experiences. Avoid people who will enable your addiction or try to persuade you to pick up your habit again. If possible, try to pinpoint specific times and places when you are tempted to indulge in your habit. If you can identify them, you can also stay away from them, or learn to be engaged in a different activity when they come around.
4. Examine Medication Options
Medication doesn't work for every addiction, but in some cases, it can help reduce cravings. With drugs and alcohol, medication can produce a physical reaction to help you break the addiction. Disulfiram, for example, makes you physically ill whenever you take a drink, while methadone is a well-known treatment for opiate addiction. Medication for more psychological addictions like shopping or pornography can address the underlying cause of the behavior, such as depression. In any case, you should only take medication prescribed by a medical professional who is familiar with your case.
5. Be Prepared for Rough Patches
Addiction recovery is a slow process. In many case, it will last the rest of your life. There will always be temptations and times when you don't feel you can resist your habit. Know that those periods will be there and take steps to prepare for them. Maintain a strong support network and understand that you may be confronted with your addiction at unexpected times. In many cases, it pays to engage in methods of mindfulness--an awareness of your body's sensations that yoga and certain forms of meditation may teach--or to look to your particular faith for support. Whatever method works for you, be familiar with it and ready to use it if a rough patch appears.
