Jemimah looked at Mr Alfred eyeball to eyeball with a helpless look like someone about to drown in a deep ocean of trouble who needs rescue. “I can’t go on any more, I feel so restless when I’m not doing it, I can’t help myself! It feels like I’m going crazy! I’m losing my mind, Mr Alfred, what do I do?”
This is the tale of Jemimah who was trying to get out of an addiction. Mr Alfred happens to be the psychologist who has been taking her through a series of therapy for the past three weeks.
It is a pity that people who get trapped in addictive habits or behaviour eventually find out that overcoming it is more challenging than expected or can be handled.
Getting into addiction is easier than getting out of it. It can take years of being faced with the negative consequences of addiction before one would realize that it is causing significant problems.
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However, there are different types of addictions such as eating disorder. Yes! Addiction to food. Some others like gambling, pornography or sex addiction, shopping, social media, e.t.c.
Below are some tips that can help in getting out:
1. Decision
Make up your mind to change. This is the very first help you can give to yourself. Decide, I WANT TO STOP THIS! You might decide to quit totally or reduce the amount of time, money or attention spent on these addictive behaviours. For instance, an avid shopper might reduce the number of times he/she shops, or a heavy drinker might decide to stop drinking or reduce the number of bottles consumed.
2. Set a clear/specific goal in mind
Getting clear on your goal before putting it into practice can be so helpful for changing addictive behaviour.
3. Don’t be hard on yourself, it takes time
Quitting is a different experience for everyone, the change takes time for some and it might be quick for some persons. Know that coming out of it is a process, it often takes a while. After this, identify the triggers and how to avoid them.
4. Seek help from the right Source
Consult a psychologist, an addiction therapist/counsellor or a doctor. It is very helpful, they will help you know and understand the risks attached to the addiction. They will also help you alleviate them. Get an accountability partner.
You can do just what you put your mind to do. You can get out of it!
PS. Seek professional help where necessary and don’t rely on your strength all by yourself.
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