"I promised not to do it again after this which I am about to do"- we've all spoken this at one point or the other. We feel sober and sad because of the constant guilt we feel after doing what we promised not to do again.
Addiction can come in various forms. You can be addicted to the most unthinkable thing. You can't go a day without it to the extent that it's affecting every other aspect of your life negatively which you know, but can't just stop yourself from repeating it.
I've heard of cases of people being addicted to their Mobile Phones- they can't go an hour without it. The only time they are not with it is when they are asleep but the first thing they think of when they wake is their phone.
To Some it's Pornography and Masturbation. I once read a book that says "99.9% of Men Masturbate". The sites that display such videos announces big returns at the end of each year but ask anyone around they will deny logging into such sites. How then do they have that number of views and income?. Do Robots now watch videos?.
There are some whose addiction is to various drugs. It started as just a way of relieving stress or to cure sickness. And then it becomes Habit which can't be stopped
Over time, addictions begin to interfere with ones daily life. One becomes prone to cycles of relapse and remission. Since addicts can go to any extent to get what they want. Debt starts setting in and then Bankruptcy. They sell off their properties and even their most priced assets or items at a Cheap rate to satisfy this craving.
Many youths nowadays are wasting their lives on one addiction or the other. If you ask most people about it, they tend to hide it and pretend as if all is well. The addiction doesn't just start in a day.
Gradual process/stages of addiction
It's was meant to be a one-time thing: You planned on doing it just once but you decided to go for another round which turns to rounds.
Guilt afterwards: One feels guilty after doing it. Your conscience keeps on telling you what you've done is bad.
Hate to be in the company of others: Gradually you start cutting yourself off from people. You no longer feel the need to hang out with your friends and family. Truly, we have people that love being alone but an addict isn't staying alone because he loves it but to be alone to please his cravings.
Self-justification: You start saying it isn't too bad, at least you are doing it for a reason.
Comparison : To make your conscience clear, you compare yourself to others. You start saying words like "At least Pete is also doing it and nothing bad happened to him. Instead, he is doing good in his academics, business, home..."
Lack emotional response
Ways of stopping addiction :
-Accept that you need help: The first step is to accept that you need help. Accept that what you are doing is already an addiction. I say this because so many are still in denial. Once you get past this stage, you are one way closer to getting free from it.
-Seek help: Don't be shy or ashamed to seek Medical help or see someone who your secrets is safe with and can give good advice.
-Avoid staying alone: Studies shows that people tend to exhibit their bad trait / addiction whenever they are alone. Try as much as possible not to be alone, always make such the time you are alone is limited.
- Avoid friends that can make you go back to it: Abstain from walking with friends that are still into drugs or any addiction you are trying to stop. Yes, they will call you names and taunt you. Don't let this get to you, if you keep on walking with them, you are at a danger of a relapse.
-Take away items that can make you go back to your vomit: Is there anything in your room or phones that gives you the urge to go back to your addiction? Take it away.
-Give yourself rewards or treat at intervals for keeping clean: After going weeks or months without going back to your addiction, celebrate it. Go out with friends or get yourself gifts for this achievement.
-Watch and Pray : Go back to your maker and ask for his guidance. Pray for the grace.
In conclusion "Addiction needs no send forth party. Let the previous be the last"
You are not only hurting yourself but also your loved ones. Don't jeopardize your Future. You are destined for Greatness, you owe it to yourself and the world.
Thanks for reading!🤗
Check out other articles and stories from HappyBoy:
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/catalysts-to-my-goal-253b4f74
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/on-the-waiting-list-05ffc77b
https://read.cash/@HappyBoy/they-all-quit-after-the-3rd-article-0f44741f
...and you will also help the author collect more tips.
You cant stop if you keep on doing the same thing. Hwoever, you can taper your vices.
Example, if you are an alcoholic or a smoker, you can lessen your consumption per day until you stop doing it.
But for masturbation, i think its already a physiological need, just like sex. However, you have to do these on closed doors. Of course, you know why. So i won’t elaborate.
But if you really think you need help but you are reluctant, how about you try to reduce your “unhealthy habits” if you realy cant control yourself, then you have to seek help.
Know that in seeking help, it doesnt mean that you are weak and crazy whatsoever. Seeking help means that you are brave enough to accept that there is something wrong with you.
Its hard to change your ways at first, but with the help of the right people, i think one can overcome addiction. :)