MANAGING AN ADDICTION

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It is suggested that the section on "Understanding Addiction," which can be seen and clicked on just too the left in the same menue, be read if the reader has not already done so to better understand this section..

Some believe that the thoughts, the memories regarding an addiction can be erased by hypnosis, or prayer, or with time. Others believe they can not. This author believes that no manner the length of time, if a person does not maintain a spiritual connection the preferred addiction and the insanity may again resurface resulting in a stronger addictive cycle.

Healthy people regard not only their physical health but also their mental health as a responsibility. They balance their lives by balancing their activities as a means of preventive health.. They provide time for various areas such as physical and sexual activities, relaxation, fun, hobbies, social interactions, learning, work, volunteer work, and spiritual activities recognizing that all of these areas are important.

Our spiritual dimension is a supremely important area. It provides us with a way of feeling all right, secure within our self and the world that we live in. Ignoring this dimension can result in a lack that is easy to fill with behavior that is unhealthy. Yet, many simple activities can be used to fill that lack: a walk down a solitary beach, listening to a brook, listening to a favorite recording, conversations with friends, a massage, a prayer, an uplifting sermon, things that put you in touch with yourself. For, within us is the connection of the Power that created you. Our spiritual dimension is our core. It is our connection with a Greater Power and there is no substitute. But, when one finds other behaviors, i.e. using street drugs, gambling or drinking alcohol that provide the similar feelings and a substitution is made; it is very easy for that person to get into trouble with addiction. This spiritual area is where the remedy for addiction is found.

If that line mentioned in the section, "Understanding Addiction," is crossed over into addiction each individual must be able to accept the effects of the addiction, recognize their powerlessness and make the decision to quit. The frustrating aspects of addiction are the irrationalization and lack of acceptance of the results of the behavior. The addicted person needs other people for support. But, the decision to seek help or accept help must be made by that person. The ability to override the denial systems previously mentioned and accept realistically the need for help in stopping destructive behavior is a gift, a grace. As is avoiding relapsing into old or similar behavior later. Therefore, for preventive health it is important to maintain a continual conscious connection with the spiritual self. That is why the Twelve Step Programs, AA, NA, and other spiritual programs are often recommended.

If you find yourself questioning the possibility of being dependent or addicted, that could be a signal in its self. Stop for a week. Assess your preventive health. What are your activities? Observe yourself.. How do you feel? Are you irritated easily; do you snap at others, do you feel depressed. What have been the results of this behavior? What have others said about it? Take a cognitive approach to this situation by using cognitive thinking. Redirect your thoughts to avoid that behavior. Think something else; get involved with something else. Get involved with some emotional self-talk. Pray; have a conversation with your subconscious in a supporting manner. Be grateful for the ability to change that behavior, for the knowledge that the answers will be provided. Make a list of positive affirmations and use them. Consider these affirmations as a form of prayer, as they are. Consider stopping that behavior completely. If you do, you have taken the first step toward recovery. If stopping an addictive cycle involves the extensive use of alcohol or drugs or if you are having suicidal thoughts you are advised to contact medical help. Some chemicals build up a physical dependency that when withdrawn may result in life threatening reactions. If you find that you can not stop, hopefully, one of these can direct you to the help you need. www.1800nodrugs.com .