Hello and thanks for taking a look!
Just thought I would share a few ideas on what to do in a crisis, hard time or just if your feeling the pinch of quitting an addiction.
Breaking the habit
Probably the hardest part of quitting any addiction is breaking the habit, which is the forefront of the battle. People decide to quit taking a drug for a reason, the best defense is to think of that reason and fixate your mind on it. remind yourself constantly why you are stopping, whether its for your health, your kids or you just generally want to quit, make sure you keep reminding yourself about why it is good for you. Try alternatives and find what works best. Try playing video games, go jogging, visit a friend or family member, there are many things you can do to keep your mind occupied, whist probably having fun at the same time.
Talk. talk and talk some more!
You have already done part of this by reading the forum! Talking helps A LOT! Try talking to a family member or close friend about how you are doing and what you are struggling with, you can talk to any forum member too. Having a strong support network is very important and can often help a great deal in quitting. There are probably many many other people that are going though exactly the same as what you are or have done so before, so their advice is priceless.
Positive attitude
Having a positive attitude is another important factor. You WILL get through it, no matter how long it takes. You ARE going to beat this, no matter what it takes or how long it takes to do it. Thoughts like this do help and are helping many people to overcome addiction and is in important part of getting through it. This ties in with having a strong support network too.
Alternatives
Find yourself an alternative, do something different. There are so many things you could do instead of taking a drug. There is a list below giving just a few ideas on what you could do to keep yourself occupied:
Go for a run, this clears your mind and keeps you fit at the same time.
Play a video game, keeping your mind and hands occupied is a great alternative and fun!
Watch a film, on the sofa with a coffee and a biscuit, comforting and entertaining.
Go bowling, one of my favorite activities. It keeps you occupied and is very fun at the same time.
Visit a forum or face to face support group, just another way of keeping you going
Start a new hobby, this could be knitting, reading, crafts or even building, its up to you, but again this keeps you well occupied!
Surf the web, look for things you can buy with the money you save, this is probably one of the best motivators there is. Make a list of things you desire the most, and put the money away that you would normally spend on the addiction, it is surprising how much it adds up. Treat yourself with the money you save after every week. This is something to look forward to and it also sets you a goal for your next week of being clean, which is what we are trying to achieve.
Summary
You are going to get through this, there is already a support network on this forum. Everyone is striving to the same goal and people are here to support you through the hard times and the good. I would like to hear about what you do for relief and how you keep yourself occupied when times are hard. Share you ideas!
The very best of luck, you will do it!
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