Are you struggling to quit alcohol or drugs but don’t know how to initiate the withdrawal? Well, this article is for you. We’ve prepared seven incredible hacks to get rid of addiction.
But first, it’s important to note that addiction doesn’t only present as substance abuse. The problem could also come from other
aberrant behaviors, such as playing video games and using social media. According to the UK charity Action on Addiction, 1 in 3 people battles with some kind of addiction.
Despite the kind of addiction you’re grappling with, the following tips can help you eliminate the behavior and regain control of your life.
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Understand The Addiction You’re Suffering From
Drugs and alcohol account for most reported cases of addiction. Conservative estimates indicate that 10% of Americans grapple with either or both forms of addiction.
The most common compounds responsible for drug addictions include nicotine in tobacco and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis, cocaine, and opioids.
But as we’ve already mentioned, not all addiction cases are attributed to drug and alcohol use. Other forms of addiction include;
- Certain foods, especially stimulants like coffee
- Sex and deviant sexual behaviors like masturbation and watching pornographic content
- Technological gadgets like smartphones and laptops
- Gambling
- Work
- Anger, which usually occurs as a coping strategy
The first step in addressing addiction is understanding the specific addiction problem you’re suffering from.
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Know the Signs
Different forms of addiction can present different symptoms. But in most cases, you can expect the following signs;
- Behavioral symptoms, such as withdrawal and increased secrecy
- Social symptoms, such as seeking out places and situations that encourage the unwanted behavior
- Medical symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, hypertension, elevated heart rate, decreased attention span, and memory loss
- Personality-related symptoms, such as reduced self-esteem
- Emotional symptoms, such as lack of empathy and frequent emotional outbursts
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Use Cannabidiol Gummies
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural chemical in the cannabis plant, which medical marijuana experts recommend for treating various ailments. Research into CBD’s direct role in aiding addiction is limited. But the compound might help address multiple withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety.
Cannabidiol treats anxiety by increasing sensitivity to the ‘bliss’ hormone serotonin. Studies also indicate that CBD might inhibit cortisol, the primary hormone associated with feelings of stress and anxiety.
Insomnia is another common addiction withdrawal symptom that cannabidiol may address. Since CBD contains soothing properties, the compound might help insomniacs fall asleep much faster.
Now, there are numerous CBD-infused products to help you fight addiction. These range from topicals like creams to inhalable e-juices and edibles like gummies. CBD gummies are highly prized for their long-lasting benefits. These products deliver cannabidiol’s therapeutic effects for up to 72 hours after the last dosage.
Gummies are also easier and more discreet to consume since they do not come with paraphernalia. You only need to ensure you’re buying these products from CBDFx.com or other reputable cannabis stores.
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Harness Your Creativity
Do you have a knack for painting, drawing, or poetry? What about acting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument?
If yes, you already possess one of the most effective tools for combating addiction and dependency.
Creative arts allow the mind to stay occupied without suffering the adverse withdrawal symptoms of destructive substances and behaviors.
Besides, these activities stimulate your brain’s reward system, allowing you to seek pleasure from natural yet harmless endeavors.
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Turn To Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation aren’t new practices. The two concepts have been used from time immemorial to achieve several objectives, including staying active, quelling racing thoughts, and stimulating blood circulation, as stated by an alcohol rehab in Virginia.
Those very benefits make the combination of yoga and meditation a potential treatment for addiction. To make the most of it, insist on yoga poses (asanas) that aim to calm you down instead of those that work you up.
You’d also do well to opt for mindfulness meditation – a meditation technique that allows you to observe and gain complete control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
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Build Connections
As a struggling addict, one of the best realizations is that you’re not alone. A relative, friend, or colleague is constantly grappling with the same problem as you. Therefore, building connections can go a long way in helping you network with fellow addicts while seeking the proper treatment.
The following are top organizations dedicated to helping addicts retrace their steps back to a healthy lifestyle;
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
- Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
- Smart Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
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Volunteer
Giving back to society is probably the last thing on your mind when struggling to quit a destructive habit. That’s because you’ll tend to focus on yourself and not others. However, recent studies indicate that volunteering can help deal with the adverse withdrawal symptoms of addiction and dependency.
Volunteering reshapes your train of thought. In the process, you may discover people dealing with graver issues than yours. The empathy you display towards such victims can be instrumental in cultivating a positive mindset about yourself.
Wrap Up
Overcoming addiction is a long-term process rather than an overnight event. So, even as you implement the above-listed interventions, always remember that patience is a virtue.
