The Freeman

Addiction Busters

- By Jeff Cohen

Do you struggle with an addiction every day? Is an addiction consuming your life and destroying your relationsh­ips? Are you tired of the pain and suffering, and ready to experience the peace and success you deserve?

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to conquer your addiction. You can experience freedom and replace selfdoubt with confidence. The changes that can lead you to the freedom you deserve may be challengin­g, but they are simple. Your success and freedom may be closer than you think.

Try these strategies to help you conquer your addiction:

1. Make the decision. The most important step in conquering your addiction is making the decision that you want to be free. Envision all the reasons you want to let go of your addiction. How will your loved ones benefit from these changes? How will your health be affected?

A big enough “why” will help make the process successful. The journey you will face is a challengin­g one, but it’s not impossible if your reasons for change motivate you to change. When the going gets tough, what’ll get you through is allowing your mind to dwell on the reasons why it’ll all be worth it.

2. Change your surroundin­gs. Find positive people who support your success and surround yourself with those people. As much as possible, avoid people who feed to your addiction or speak negatively.

Remove your temptation­s from your home. If you’re trying to quit smoking, don’t keep cigarettes around. If you’re addicted to alcohol, get rid of all the alcohol. If you’re committed and have a big enough “why,” you can overcome your addiction. Your challenge is much harder if you keep the temptation around.

3. Stay busy. If your hands and mind are idle, your battle over your addiction will be an uphill climb that seems impossible. Find things that keep you busy and keep your mind off of temptation. Do volunteer work. Begin projects you’ve been putting off. Pour your time on your loved ones. Find ways to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy.

One giant step in the right direction is to start an exercise routine. You’ll feel more confident, improve your health, and distract your mind away from your addiction at the same time. Choose an activity that excites you. An activity you enjoy is more likely to be something you’ll stick with for a long term!

4. Stay strong – and believe in yourself. Everything you need to overcome your addiction is inside of you. If your “why” is bigger than your addiction, and you surround yourself with positive people, nothing can stop you from becoming free from the chains that hold you back.

Prepare yourself with affirmatio­ns that support your success. Replace the negative self-talk that sabotages your success with positive, lifeaffirm­ing statements. Talk to yourself about your strengths and the type of person you’re becoming, instead of dwelling on the past.

Above all, remember that you can do it. Decide that you and your loved ones are worth it. Replace the addiction that drains your life of joy with people and activities that affirm your worth and rekindle your excitement for life.

Keep your eyes on your loved ones and the reasons for your commitment. If you take it one day at a time and follow those steps, nothing can stop you from achieving the happiness and success you desire and deserve!

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