When we continuously follow a habit, it reaches a stage of addiction that can harm our health later on. For example, a person addicted to smoking or alcohol, or other habits, if repeated excessively can lead to bodily harm and reach a critical stage. Addicts often lack control over their actions or usage unless their willpower surpasses their desires, leading them to a lifeline.
Regarding the steps to quit addiction, research advises the following:
1. **Set a Quit Date**: It may greatly help to associate a date with the decision to quit the habit you wish to abandon, perhaps coinciding with an important date in the year, such as an anniversary or birthday. This serves as a reminder of the attempt and motivates you to start over if you fail to comply.
2. **Change Your Environment**: Try to change anything that reminds or prompts your addiction from your home or workplace. For instance, avoid people who might encourage you to engage in your addiction, regardless of whether it's related to drugs, alcohol, or bad behavior. If you’re trying to quit drinking, get rid of any alcohol, bottle openers, and wine glasses. If you're trying to quit gambling, remove any playing cards, lottery tickets, or poker chips kept in your home, and prevent others from bringing them into your home.
3. **Keep Yourself Busy**: Instead of giving in to your cravings, come up with alternative activities such as walking, calling a friend, or talking to a family member to occupy yourself and pass the time. This way, you will remain busy until the urge passes, and be prepared to handle situations that trigger your cravings, such as being in environments where others are engaging in what you are trying to stop.
4. **Review Your Previous Attempts to Quit**: Always remember your past attempts, whether they were successful or not. Review them and consider what may have contributed to any relapse, and make some changes accordingly.
5. **Build a Support Network**: Seek encouragement and support from your family and friends, and talk to them more. Let them know you are trying to distance yourself from your addiction. Don't forget to also keep your healthcare provider fully informed of your attempt to get the necessary support.
