Write@Home
Winter 2015

Health

Young desperate man in casual clothes abandoned lost in depression sitting on ground street concrete

Addiction is a powerful binding force to people. Addiction holds millions in bondage to substances, activities, or attractions that ruin lives. Some addictions cause both physical and psychological damages including chronic conditions and mental health disorders.

Daily, hourly struggles with addictions may shape lives, damage relationships, bankrupt people financially and hold them in guilt, fear, and loneliness. Addiction is so difficult and hard to overcome and our willpower sometimes seems never strong enough to overcome the addictions. With the body there is a tiny voice inside the addicts and it loves to attract our desires.

People can have addictions to drugs, alcohol and etc. How can an addict break free? The first step is to admit that you're doing what you're doing, and then, understand why you do what you do and seek help to overcome the captivity of addiction.

If you are alcoholic, you need to recognise you have a problem, accept but do not deny your uncontrolled behavior of drinking.

Then how do you quit? To prevent this, focus on motivated and committed activities. That is to write your goal or purpose. Document the things you want to achieve and then write or document the possible consequence of your action.

Thirdly, modify your environment; like to exercise in a new park and meet the group of people.

Fourth, find a hobby and be busy. You can learn to play an instrument or take pictures.

Finally use diversion techniques; such as to know yourself better, and bring home a pet like a cat, a dog, or fish.

After achieving small goals, reward yourself and don’t punish if you cannot meet your one of your short term expectations.