BREAKING FREE

Addiction is usually triggered by compulsion; so someone said. How true is that statement?  It is very true. Why is it so? Can’t I overcome the compulsion? Well, yes we can but there is always a ‘but’, says an addict. What is compulsion? It is an urge to do something that might be better left undone. It is using force to cause something to happen. Now, that ‘force’ is what I have issues with. The very first time a drug addict tried out the drug, he felt on top of the world but with a little discomfort. However, he finds himself going back to it again; something (the highness and feeling like a superman) forced him to do so.

So many addicts believe they do not have a hold of themselves anymore; especially when the addiction has escalated. However, I will like to share some tips on how to overcome addictions and not fall victim of eternal self hurt. Some people do not even want to come to terms with the fact that they are addicted to something. The truth is, the faster it is realized, the better because so many people have had to go through therapies and rehabilitation all because they refused to acknowledge the truth.

The first step to overcoming addiction is to actually discover and agree within oneself that there is an addiction. I wrote my story of how I used to drink Coca-Cola every passing day. In fact, I could drink two bottles in a day. My body already got used to the substance that whenever I don’t take it, my body feels somehow and I’m usually not comfortable. I later discovered that the drink was caffeinated but instead of me to desist from the act, I found myself indulging even more. It was just all of a sudden I had to call myself to order and one thing I did that really helped me was that whenever the craving comes, I say to myself ‘what makes you different from that person who cannot do without cocaine’. I started making conscious effort to stop the habit (I told everyone who sold it that whenever I call for it, they should not answer me). Not like I don’t drink Coke now; it is just not habitual.

Feel the consequence of the action before it occurs. In the case of a porn addict, whenever the urge is felt, walk away from the computer or DVD or magazine and sit in another room – just for twenty seconds. Close your eyes and really focus on the memory of the reality of how you feel after a porn viewing session. Focus in on the tiredness, the self-disgust and disappointment, the feeling of foggy-headedness. Get into the habit of doing this. It's like unmasking a seemingly attractive stranger and discovering the ugly reality.

Go do something more interesting. Most addicts attribute their addiction to the fact that they were idle and bored; as such they needed to get themselves busy and stuff. Fine, video games, gambling, shopping, are interesting. However, it is important to note that when more time is spent on these activities, they become annoying. Whenever you are tempted to gamble against your will, why not try something more interesting like hanging out with friends and all.

Talking to someone about the addiction will also go a long way. Addicts need to look for someone they trust so much to share their secrets with. There is a saying that a problem shared is half solved. Talk to someone who is more mature and responsible; have them responsible for you and always keeping checks on their activities.

Lastly, place your trusts in God. Some addicts actually do not want to get addicted per say; it is sometimes cause they had lots of issues to battle with and instead of placing their trusts in God, they decide to go through an alternative route. What I’m trying to drive at is that whenever the urge or craving comes, remember that there is God who can listen to whatever it is you have on your mind.

I would really love for those who have had to go through addiction to share their stories and how they managed to overcome. I hope this article blesses someone.

Much Love,

KanyinWrites.