To give up an addiction requires that you make a choice. It is a decision that requires more than just saying, “no,” but saying “no” is most likely where you need to start. Remember the Existential Paradox: you are responsible for everything you say and do.
Addictive activities benefit users in the early stages by making users comfortably numb. A state that is a combination of positive and negative reinforcement that affects one’s feelings. So, in order to make the choice to let go of your addictive habits, you must give up the positive benefits you currently enjoy. You must replace the current pleasures you receive from your addiction and replace them with a clear picture of the benefits a normal life brings forth. Such as improved health and greater financial independence. These improvements to your life will come by no longer participating in the addictive activities and those that will come from the freedom to pursue more productive and healthy routines.
However, the primary reason for you to choose to end your addictive activities is the negative impact to which addiction has on your life. One way you can combat your addiction is by creating a list of all the negative consequences those harmful habits have on your mind, body loved ones and lifestyle. The following chart will help you summarize your reasons for considering to make a change to your habits. After you have completed the chart, under the section entitled “Negative Impacts on My life,” check off the one impact that has the worst effect on you now.
This exercise is a simple and effective way to evaluate your current tribulations. It may take a few minutes to complete, but doing so will make future exercises more applicable to you. Objectify your use of addictive activities and write down what you observe.
Self-Help Skill:
Choosing to End My Addictive Activities
Benefits of Using______________________________________________ (addictive activity):
Negative Impacts on My Life:
Mind:
Body:
Loved Ones:
Lifestyle:
Benefits of Stopping:
Task Reflection:
Take a moment and reflect upon your answers. After you read what you have written…
How do you feel about discontinuing your addictive habits? If you have made the choice to stop, do you think this will be an easy or a difficult task? If after the completion of this exercise you still do not want to stop, are you willing to start by cutting back addictive activities, and reduce the harm they currently cause in your life? If you are unable to reduce your negative actions, what or who do you think prevents you from doing so? What or who is keeping your addictive activities appealing to you? Can you objectify where your addictive actions will take you in life?
What is the endpoint of your addictive journey? Are you even willing to answer any of these questions?