fbpx

How to Stop Addictions for Good: 5 Effective Tips

stop addictions for goodLooking for tips and tricks on how to stop addictions for good, so you feel happier and more in control of your life? Here are insights and strategies to stop addictive behavior.

Approximately 21 million Americans are addicted to something.

People may be addicted to alcohol, drugs, binge eating, sex, or any other unhealthy type of behavior.

Unfortunately, only 10% of Americans seek treatment.

How to Stop Addictions for Good

If you’re familiar with my work, then you know I am a recovered emotional eater. I personally know that you need all the help you can get to stop addictions in a lasting way.

If you’re trying to figure out how to overcome addiction, these effective tips can help. Let’s dive into the best methods for staying motivated throughout your recovery.

1. Decide to Break an Addiction

Most people with an unhealthy addiction want to make a change – but have a lot of self doubt. The first step to stopping an addiction, is to be “willing” to believe it’s possible.

Unfortunately, many people are not “willing” to believe in the possibility of recovering from an addiction. And so they never decide to break the addiction.

They tell themselves defeating addiction stories like:

  • It’s not possible.
  • I’ll forever be this way.
  • I tried before and it didn’t work.
  • This runs in my family and it’s just the way it is.
  • I’m not strong enough.
  • I don’t see any method which will work for me.

You have to replace this negative self talk with these 3 simple positive phrases:

  • I am willing to believe that I’m capable of breaking this addiction. I’m willing to try to break this addiction. I can break my addiction.

breaking an addiction in a lasting wayWhenever self doubt enters your mind, repeat those 3 phrases above. Soon you will be more open to deciding to break the addiction. And you’ll be more energized and ready to move forward with added inner strength.

Next up…

  • Think about the reasons and benefits for breaking your addiction.
  • Become clear on reasonable goals.
  • Determine the steps needed to attain these reasonable goals.
  • Celebrate the milestones, no matter how small.

This is the best time to consult with doctors, therapists, counselors and coaches.

2. Take Small Steps

stop addictions for goodSuccessful addiction recoveries happen in small, specific steps. Quitting cold turkey won’t do the trick.

According to Dr. Biroc’s article on understanding addiction, going through the recovery process must be a slow and steady lifestyle change – not a quick fix.

Patients must go through the mountain, not cheat around it.

Set small goals to get you through your journey.

For example, if you’re addicted to unhealthy foods, it can be too much to handle to quit all unhealthy foods altogether. Instead, limit yourself to small changes. Let go of one of your favorite binge foods at a time. Or set specific times of day that you will stop binge eating – and just stop binging during those specific times. Slowly expand the time period you’re not allowed to binge. Get more tools to stop binge eating here!

3. Find New Habits and Hobbies

breaking addictions for goodA big key to beat an addiction: keep yourself busy.

I call this doing a “Stop and Swap.”

It’s far easier to stop a bad habit if you swap in something else to busy yourself with in its place!

So find new habits that can replace your old ones. Explore new interests and hobbies to keep your mind occupied.

Many addicts find a healthy hobby to invest themselves in while recovering from addiction.

To prevent addiction relapses try: going to the gym, joining intramural sports teams, volunteering, cooking, and taking online courses.

Sober activities allow you to enjoy the company of others without falling back into old habits. There are many ways to enjoy life without harmful substances.

4. Give Yourself TLC

stopping addiction means thinking Healthy thoughts

Good self-care can help you stay motivated to accomplish your goals.

I believe good self care works for a few reasons:

  • You are sending a message to your brain that you love yourself. And the more self loving you are – the less you want to do self-harming addictive behavior
  • You’re improving your brain chemistry. And the healthier your brain chemistry – the better able you are to master your thoughts and habits

Make it your mission to…

The more effort you put into your health and emotional well being, the less likely you’ll be tempted to succumb to your addiction.

5. Believe in Yourself

It doesn’t matter how much professional help you receive – if you don’t believe in your ability to overcome your addiction!

When you wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself: “I can cure my addiction.”

Keep a journal.

I created a beautiful “Listen to Your Heart” journal with powerful writing prompts to help you to feel stronger, calmer, wiser, more positive.

You can get this journal and at the front write down the reasons and benefits for quitting your addiction.

Throughout the recovery process, write down everything you’ve accomplished.

Read your journal on days you’re feeling low to inspire motivation.

There are numerous tips and tricks available to help you kick your addiction, but none of them will work if you don’t believe in yourself.

Journaling will help you to believe you have what it takes to kick your addiction to the curb!

Stop Addictions for Good

Put an End to Emotional Eating

  • Stop binge eating when stressed, angry, bored, depressed.
  • Rewire your thoughts and emotions around food – so you stop emotional eating in a lasting way.
  • Slim down & healthy up!

==> Get started now! <==

Think happier. Think calmer.

Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.

No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This