Even a mad bull is not as stubborn as addiction. When you decide to break free, it will smile at you and shatter your defenses as if you were unconscious. “Addiction has disguised as a friend,” says the book “Suicide and My Soul: A Poem One Minute Before Suicide.” Just as friends strongly influence our decisions, addiction can make us do things against our will.
“Addiction has disguised as a friend.”
Suicide and My Soul: A Poem One Minute Before Suicide | Stanza 17
Despite that, it is inspiring to see those who have fought back and reclaimed their freedom with strong willpower. We interviewed Lucky, who broke the jinx and reclaimed his freedom. Watch the video to learn about his journey.
In this guide, we will explore practical steps to reclaiming control of our lives and finding freedom from addiction, just like Lucky. This article is intended to drive you to action. You must be ready to accept the challenge of outsmarting addiction within three months. We know you can do this because every Hugger is a winner. So, let’s dive deep to understand addiction and the practical steps to overcome it.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction knows no boundaries – it can manifest in various forms, from substance abuse to compulsive behaviours. Recognising this complexity is the first step toward healing and promoting empathy and understanding within our communities. If you are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Your addiction might only differ from your peers’. So, remember to share this article with your friends and family.
Forms of Addiction
- Substance Addiction: Dependencies on drugs and alcohol, which can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences.
- Pornography Addiction: An unhealthy dependence on pornography, leading to compulsive viewing, distorted views of sex and relationships, and negative impacts on mental health and relationships.
- Behavioural Addiction: Compulsive behaviours such as gambling, gaming, compulsive shopping, uncontrolled sex, or internet use, which can be as debilitating as substance addictions.
- Food Addiction: A compulsive relationship with food, often characterised by binge eating and loss of control, leading to health problems and weight gain.
- Work Addiction: An obsessive need to work and achieve at the expense of other areas of life, leading to burnout, stress-related health problems, and strained personal relationships.
8 Steps to Outsmart Addiction within 3 Months
We acknowledge the complexity of overcoming addiction. But every Hugger has the strong willpower to pursue healthier living. Here are steps you can start taking now until the next 12 weeks. Come back to this page every week and track your performance.
1. Make a Strong Resolve
Charles Bukowski says, “Nobody can save you but yourself.” Not a therapist, the government, parents, or friends can help us break free from addiction. Breaking free from addiction is more of a personal decision than external support. We must resolve in our hearts to build a defense against addiction. We recommend reading the article “Becoming: The Power of Your Mantra” to learn how to train your mind to achieve your goals.
“Nobody can save you but yourself.”
Charles Bukowski
2. Set Realistic Goals
Every recovery journey is different, but setting realistic goals is key to making progress. Whether our struggle is with drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, pornography, or work, let’s set small, measurable goals. For instance, if we are battling alcohol addiction, our goal could be to reduce drinking gradually over the next three months, celebrating each milestone as a victory. Concerning workaholism, one of our guests has this to say:
You have to understand there are times you just have to pack up everything, close it up, put your head to rest, and then, you know, recover yourself.
Barr. Nkiru Joy Okpala-Perkins | Navigating Leadership as a Woman
3. Seek Professional Help
Seeking professional help is a courageous step toward healing and should be embraced without stigma or shame. Addiction specialists, therapists, and counsellors offer personalised support and guidance tailored to our needs. Let’s reach out for help, knowing that we are not alone in our journey toward recovery. Don’t even feel ashamed to go for rehabilitation if the condition is critical. The world will be waiting to hear your success story on our show. What about the inner peace and joy you will derive from breaking free?
4. Build a Support Network
Some forms of addiction are triggered by isolation or wrong associations. Community is our greatest strength in the journey toward recovery. Let’s surround ourselves with supportive friends, family, and peers who understand our struggles and offer unconditional support. Joining support groups, both online and in person, provides a sense of belonging and solidarity that can be invaluable on our path to healing.
5. Prepare for Setbacks
Setbacks are an inevitable part of the recovery process, but they don’t define our journey. Living with friends or in environments that enable addictive behaviours can be significant triggers for relapse. If you fly ten thousand kilometers away, addiction will fly with you. But you can easily control your urge when you are not surrounded by friends who shove substances in your face every day. Let’s identify and minimise exposure to such triggers and lean on our support network for guidance and encouragement during recovery.
6. Develop Coping Strategies
Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from addictive behaviours – it’s about learning healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other triggers. Let’s develop coping strategies that resonate with us, whether it’s mindfulness, exercise, spirituality, or creative expression. Let’s draw inspiration from activities that remind us of our inner strength and resilience. For instance, achieving your fitness goal can enable you discover that you are limitless in breaking free from addiction.
7. Create a Structured Routine
You are familiar with the saying “An idle hand is the Devil’s workshop.” This means you have to be busy in a healthy way. You can easily take away a bad habit by replacing it with healthy activities. Structure and routine provide the foundation for our journey toward recovery. Let’s plan our days with meaningful activities that support our goals, prioritising self-care and well-being. Let’s find inspiration in uplifting songs that keep us grounded and remind us of the progress we have made. A song like “Dear Alcohol” and “Suffocating” by Dax can set your soul on fire to overcome alcoholism and social media addiction.
8. Monitor Progress and Celebrate Victories
Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and every step forward is a victory worth celebrating. Let’s keep track of our progress, setbacks, and triggers, adjusting our strategies as needed. Let’s celebrate our successes, no matter how small, and draw strength from the knowledge that we are moving toward a brighter, healthier future.
Summary
Ending addiction within three months is an ambitious goal, but we believe in your winning spirit as a Hugger. With unity, support, and a positive mindset, it is achievable. By making a strong resolve, setting realistic goals, seeking professional help, building a support network, navigating setbacks, developing coping strategies, creating a structured routine, and monitoring our progress, we can reclaim control of our lives and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility.
End Note
When the journey gets tough, we want you to have something to remind you of the promise you have made to yourself. Therefore, we will soon unveil some products that can help you stay on track.
Get the following worksheets to challenge yourself for the next 90 days.
90-Day Addiction Escape Route Worksheets
Embark on a transformative journey with “90-Day Addiction Escape Route” worksheet. Designed to provide daily guidance, this comprehensive plan helps you understand your triggers, set achievable goals, develop positive habits, manage stress, and build a robust support system. With structured daily activities and reflective journaling, you will steadily progress towards a healthier, addiction-free life. Take…
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Take on this challenge and let’s see how far it goes. If it’s convenient for you, use the hashtag #HugNoAddiction and tag us on social media to share your progress. We will talk to you soon.