Here in Nigeria, Addiction is not being talked about openly because people usually are embarrassed about it.
Hearing that someone is an addict alone is enough for people to scoff at that person. They automatically think the worst of that person. Instead of trying to help people with their conditions;- religions, schools, parents and social influences of society have set up a derogatory image of addicts as being worse than armed criminals.
This makes many people afraid to talk or seek help because they fear judgment or ostracization. But it is important to know that there is no shame in seeking help concerning addiction and that you are not alone.
Addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it is alcohol; drugs; gambling; or any other vice, addiction can wreak havoc in one’s life and the lives of those around you.
Fortunately, addiction is a treatable condition, and there are several ways to overcome it.
One of the most effective ways to overcome addiction is through therapy. Therapy can help you identify the root cause of your addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with it. Therapy can also help you develop a support system, which is crucial for long-term recovery.
Another way to overcome addiction is through medication-assisted treatment. Medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stay sober. This approach is often used in combination with therapy.
Support groups are another effective way to overcome addiction. Whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or another group, these meetings can provide you with a sense of community and support.
You can share your experiences and struggles with others who have been through similar situations, which can be incredibly helpful.
Exercise and other healthy activities can also be beneficial in overcoming addiction. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to addiction. Healthy activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms.
In my opinion as a writer and someone who has dealt with addiction of some sort, all that I have researched does not give enough credit to people fighting addictions.
Addiction might be one of life’s greatest battles because it is literally a battle against yourself. You fight your thoughts, your mind and even your body. You might look like the most easy-going person on the street but inside your mind, you fight for your life every day.
It’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, and it’s not always easy. There will be ups and downs, and there may be times when you feel like giving up. However, with the right support and resources, you can overcome addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Personally, here are a few things that have helped me curb out addiction
First and foremost, Social media. It is one of, if not the major influences of addiction. People on social media have accepted addiction of all sorts like it is a fun thing to do, a way to start a conversation with someone of interest like “if you don’t take drugs, you can not be my friend” sort of scenario.
It has been downplayed across social media, to the point where addiction does not count as a serious societal issue.
On the influence of Social Media on Addiction, Reduce your watch time, there are tweets, Instagram posts and Snapchat stories that promote drugs, porn, gambling and other vices like it is a good thing.
By reducing your watch time on social media, you tend to live in the present, solving life challenges that matter to you and the people around you, and you tend to have more time to work on yourself.
Another is to Keep your Mind occupied, this in particular works for me, I love being free, I procrastinate a lot and love laxity but the truth is that it always helps to keep yourself occupied with something to do.
The saying “a lazy mind is the devil’s workshop” comes into play here, it helps to keep your mind off whatever you are going through, for example, when you are fasting, you try not to think of food in that period of time, same applies to this.
Last but not least is, Make more habits. Try to do different things, make memories with your loved ones and have fun in life.
Most of these addictions come to be because we wanted something people had in their life, is it money, fame, power or materialistic things? No matter how much you have, there is always going to be someone that has bigger amounts than you. The only thing that matters to you is loving yourself and the people around you.
Remember, you are not alone.
