Do you or someone you know struggle with addiction? It can be hard to tell, especially if the person in question is making excuses or denying their addiction to drugs or their addition to alcohol, but it doesn’t have to be this way if you’re aware of the elements of addiction and how to overcome them. We’ll look at what these elements are, how they work together to make addiction hard to overcome, and how anyone who wants help can find the tools they need to overcome them and move forward into recovery. Read on to find out more!

Element #1: Cravings 

Cravings, like any other feeling, can be managed with time and practice. Treating yourself to a healthy meal when you have a craving, or taking up an activity that takes your mind off of food (like exercise), will help you manage them better in time. If it were easy for a person who was addicted to doing what they want, they would do so; most addicts battle their addiction because it is hard for them not to give in. If alcohol cravings are tough for you, try talking through them with a friend first or enlisting an accountability partner who will help keep you on track if necessary.

Element #2: Compulsion

Compulsion is defined as an uncontrollable impulse to engage in a certain behaviour or activity. This can be anything from nail-biting, hair pulling and skin picking, to shopping sprees and drug addiction. Many compulsions stem from a need for control. An individual who experiences anxiety or depression may use compulsive behaviours as an outlet for these negative emotions, seeking relief through repetitive actions that provide a temporary distraction from their feelings. Compulsions can also develop from chemical imbalances in your brain such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have ADHD, you may turn to addictive substances for stimulation that increases your ability to focus on tasks; if you have OCD, taking part in compulsive rituals can reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Element #3: Continuity

People with addictive personalities need a high level of stimulation, something that will keep them tuned in to their senses. This can be especially dangerous when their methods become destructive, like when drugs and alcohol start to affect an individual’s physical appearance. Addicts can find themselves surrounded by people who love them but are unable to see beyond their problems. The best way for an addict to get help is with a higher power. Having faith in a higher power helps addicts stay focused on changing their lives for the better, which eventually leads them back into society and away from addiction.

Element #4: Loss of Control

It can be easy to forget that most addictions are rooted in an attempt at controlling a difficult situation or emotion. Compulsive gambling, eating disorders, and other forms of addiction fall into a similar category: you’re looking for some semblance of control over an area in your life where you feel like you have none. You don’t have to let it rule your life—you just need to seek out help for overcoming your addictive behaviours so that you can regain control and find balance again. Working with a therapist, joining support groups, and starting a daily exercise routine are all great ways of getting back on track.

Can Lead to Harmful Consequences

Addiction is considered harmful when it leads to negative consequences. For example, if you have an addictive personality and you start drinking alcohol in college, your habit might not cause any long-term problems. If you had an addictive personality and started taking painkillers after a sports injury, your habit could turn into a dangerous addiction. The point is that sometimes it’s only when we cross that line between responsible enjoyment and abuse do we end up with serious problems. That’s why it’s important to understand what constitutes harmful behaviour for each substance; for some people having just one beer can lead them down a bad path, but others might be able to handle their liquor with no problem whatsoever.

Taking Back Control

Addiction is indeed a complex, difficult challenge. But perhaps more than anything else, it boils down to one thing: losing control. Whether you’re addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex or gambling—or just have some nasty habit that needs to be broken—taking back control over your life can be crucial for overcoming addiction. And there are numerous ways in which you can take back control when it comes to addiction. For example, engaging in behavioural therapy can help you understand what drives your particular substance abuse or compulsive behaviour and set you on a path toward long-term recovery. In addition, attending regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and finding a sponsor will help keep you motivated and focused on your goals moving forward with sobriety.

Overcome Addiction with Freeman House Recovery

At Freeman House Recovery, we don’t focus on the addiction itself. Instead, we look at addiction as a mental health issue and disease and believe that it can be overcome. Our addiction treatment can help those who have been suffering from an addiction to overcome their mental health problems and live a happier life. Our addiction treatment specialists are ready and waiting to offer help. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call today.

About Freeman House Recovery

The Freeman House Recovery is a luxury addiction treatment centre based in Gauteng, South Africa. Our top-rated drug rehab offers a full continuum of care. With professional staff available 24/7 and an environment focused on healing, you will find all that you need to recover from drugs, alcohol and other forms of addiction. For more information on The Freeman House Recovery and our state-of-the-art facilities please contact us today. 

This article was first published at https://www.freemanhouserecovery.com/elements-of-addiction-how-to-overcome-them/