Conquering Addiction Before It Conquers You

Addiction is perhaps one of the most perplexing problems in today's society. It comes in many forms, from drug addiction and food addiction, to sex and relationship addiction. Whatever form the addiction takes, it shares common traits. Addiction generally stems from an emotional void in a person's life that he or she is trying to fill. It is an escape hatch of sorts. Simply put, an addiction offers the prospect of fulfillment and salvation--however fleeting. Unfortunately, the addiction is extremely difficult to shake once it takes hold.

There are many reasons that an addiction is so powerful. One reason is that it is difficult to get the support and guidance that is needed. Many people who have not experienced addiction do not understand the dynamic behind it. Addicts may strike some people as immoral, lazy or even stupid. But in fact, many very bright, creative and sensitive people fall into the addiction trap. The sad truth is that almost anyone can fall into the addiction trap if they are lost and floundering for something to "save" them.

Another reason that it is so difficult to rid oneself of an addiction is that the addiction impairs your judgment. Whereas you might realize in your normal state that you are exercising poor judgment, this is nearly impossible when under the influence of addiction. Everything in your life, including your morals, family and even health, become secondary to the object of your addiction. Even though you may logically know what you are doing is wrong, you feel powerless to stop it.

So how does one get rid of an addiction? It is important to realize that doing so is far from easy. In fact, getting rid of a true addiction can, and likely will, be the fight of your life. For many addicts, they must hit rock bottom before their survival instinct kicks in and they are able to fight off the addiction. Typically, something must happen that threatens to destroy whatever the addict values most in life, be it his or her family, health, job, or all of the above. When a person finally realizes that his or her survival is in peril, this helps provide the impetus for a recovery.

However, it is what the person does next that is critically important. The addict must recognize that the addiction does, and always will, have supreme power over him or her. The addict does not have control over the addiction--the reins of power reside wholly with the addiction. For this reason, an addict cannot dabble even a little bit in the object of his or her addiction. He or she cannot have one puff on a cigarette, one drink, or one last communication with an abusive partner. All ties must be cut off, immediately and permanently. The addict must, in essence, become a new person with more wholesome interests and goals. Some people may tap into religion or spirituality to accomplish this. The bottom line, however, is that the addict must realize there are forces in the universe--including the addiction--that are beyond his or her control. The addict must be humbled into recognizing that he or she will never prevail over the object of the addiction. Regardless of the anchor the addict chooses, he or she must hold on tight. It can often take years to put the ruination associated with an addiction behind you. But recovery is possible. In the end, the addict will emerge a stronger person with the ability to turn his or her back on the object of their addiction, let go of the past, and move on to a happier, more healthy future.