Substance abuse and addiction plague millions of people, and we all face our own demons. But there are many ways to curve these addictive habits and get you on the track to sobriety that you deserve. From meditation and changing your mindset to undergoing a detox, let’s look at some helpful ways to resist addiction.
Understand Your Craving Cycle
Many people who are recovering from addiction should understand their craving cycle to know how to fight back. We might think that an addiction means a relapse, but in fact, addictive thinking is natural. A relapse occurs when you revert back to substance abuse. This normal craving cycle likely includes:
- A trigger – Something, whether it’s the smell of alcohol, an old friend group that you used to use with, or a song that brings you back to your addiction days, can trigger your brain into thinking about addictive behavior.
- Obsessive thinking – Next, your mind may run in a million directions thinking about the substances. You might weigh the pros and cons of using, think about your past therapy, and have the typical, all-encompassing thoughts that every addict knows well.
- Craving – Lastly, the craving stage hits. Cravings are both mental and physical developments. Your brain can’t stop thinking about the substance and your body triggers a stress response, including an elevated heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath.
All of the above is a natural craving cycle, so now it’s up to you to resist those addictive habits. Understanding what goes through your body and mind when a craving hits will help you break down the craving cycle step-by-step and not give in.
Change Your Mindset
For example, changing your mindset is one way to curb or resist addictive behavior. Instead of feeling like you have no strength to resist your craving, think about how you are the one in control and have the ultimate say over your behavior. Ask yourself the following questions to help change your mindset and avoid a relapse:
- What action can I take instead of using?
- How can I change my thoughts and behaviors to avoid this situation?
- What are the consequences of using? What are the benefits of staying sober?
- Who or what can help me resist using?
- What can I do instead of using?
Cravings will happen, but staying clean is all about how you approach them and act accordingly.
Find New Passions
Many people who struggle with addiction do so because it is a major part of their life. Either people close to them use as well, or they are in a situation where exposure is part of their routine. To avoid this, try to find new, healthy passions that will help you stay on track. You could sign up for a local community college class to learn something new, pick up a craft, learn a new language, or adopt a pet. These are all healthy ways to help you branch out and curb your addictive habits.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Rehab isn’t just one size fits all. Some people need inpatient treatment, some people need outpatient resources, some people prefer group therapy, and some prefer 1-on-1 time with a counselor. From medically-assisted rehabilitation to more holistic approaches, finding the right treatment for your needs is crucial in helping you curb your addictive habits.
Get Physical
In addition to finding new interests and passions, finding ways to be more active will also help you curb your addictive habits. Stress, depression, and anxiety are often the foundation for cravings and working out is a natural antidepressant and stress relief. Exercise releases endorphins and multiple feel-good chemicals in your brain which help you focus on productive behavior, rather than using. Even better, you could sign up for a local gym or group fitness classes to meet like-minded, healthy individuals and get a little movement in.
Cravings and addictive behavior don’t have to have control over your actions. By shifting your mindset, focusing on other passions, and aligning yourself with healthy goals, you can curb your addictive habits and focus on staying sober.
