Freedom From Addiction
Freedom From Addiction
Addiction is one of those subjects that most people avoid like the plague. Why? Because it is uncomfortable. It makes us feel scared to discuss it, whether we have experienced addiction or not. We all have the potential to become addicted to something, and it worries us. Tens of millions of U.S. citizens struggle with addictions of all kinds, from alcohol, to drugs, to addictive behaviors.
Although addiction is an uncomfortable truth, it is nonetheless a subject we should be tackling head-on in our society. It is tricky to know what to do if you love someone with an addiction that is affecting their life in myriad ways, but even harder to be the one battling an addiction of any kind.
In this article you won’t find all the answers to achieve freedom from addiction, but you will find three helpful steps you can take on your journey.
1. Telling One Person
Many addicts never tell a soul about what they are experiencing, for fear of judgement, rejection or lack of acceptance from those they hold dear. However, a crucial step on your journey to becoming free of addiction is telling someone.
Choosing a person to confide in can be hard. Here are a few different people that might be able to support and help you the best through your addiction struggles.
A doctor. A sensible person to tell is a doctor who can take practical steps with you or refer you to a specialist.
A therapist or counselor. If you have access to mental health care, you should speak with a trusted therapist or counselor. Try to find one with specialization in addiction counseling.
A close friend or family member. Your first confidant doesn’t necessarily have to be a health practitioner; it could be a trusted friend or family member who can give you emotional support. Sharing something can cut the pain in half.
2. Creating A Plan
The next step is to create a plan. Once you have told somebody you trust about your addiction battle, you can begin to formulate a plan for overcoming your addiction. This will be a lifelong journey, but it has to start somewhere. Creating a plan doesn’t mean you need to know exactly what you want to do or how you want to go about it. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Your plan should give you an idea of your first steps towards freedom.
Your first step could be to contact a doctor and speak with them about receiving therapy or rehabilitation. It could be to visit a hospital facility. Your plan doesn’t have to follow a rigid structure; it may just be a slow and steady path towards the right direction.
3. Imagining An Alternative Life
One powerful tool for helping your journey towards freedom from addiction is the power of imagination. Picture a life, or even a simple activity, that you could do once you achieve sober living. This powerful tool won’t solve everything, but it will give you a boost when you are struggling. Many people believe in manifesting what you want in your life in this way, using the power of attraction.
Overall, overcoming addiction is a lifelong journey that many face. Use these three steps to begin your journey away from the addiction that has overcome you. I find solace in my sober sisters who I found in Alcoholics Anonymous. You are not alone. And there is a way out.