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If the
addiction is to alcohol, join Alcoholics Anonymous. |
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If the
addiction is to something other than alcohol, you can still go to a
relevant 12 step program, or even to AA meetings [some are
open, some closed] if you can't find a
program targeting your addiction. AA was the first 12 step program, on which all others are
modeled. For those uncomfortable with the 12
step model, there are support groups not based on it. The important
thing is to get support.
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Find positive
and honest support. |
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Learn
the Serenity Prayer. |
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Think
about whatever is positive about the addiction. What does it do for you? What needs does
it meet? Then think about constructive ways to meet those needs. |
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Find or reconnect with
"something" that can satisfy the need for a spiritual dimension in your life.
[As one recovering alcoholic told me "In AA we say that religion is for people who
don't want to go to hell, and spirituality is for those who have already been
there."]
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Recognize the need
for new, healthier coping strategies to gradually replace your unhealthy addictive
behaviors. |
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Find help to identify
underlying issues and work on them. You may need counseling and/or group work. |
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Don't confuse the
addictive substance or behavior with your addiction. As AA says, if all
you do is stop
drinking, you're a "dry drunk." Drinking is a symptom--not
the disease.
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Expect setbacks or
relapses. Setbacks are not failures--they are valuable lessons.
[Falling down isn't failure. Not trying to get up is failure.]
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Develop communication
skills. Learn to recognize, tolerate, and express your feelings. |
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Develop yourself.
Find new skills or hobbies that can replace the addiction. |
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Externalize the
disorder--don't feed it what it wants. That is, see
yourself as separate from the behaviors or substances. If you
identify with alcohol, for instance, you will only feel worse about
yourself, which will increase the pressure to drink.
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Look at
the costs of your addiction. Get loved ones to tell you how it
affects them. Is
it worth it? |
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See other pages on general coping skills.
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What if nothing else seems
like it can give you as much pleasure
as the addiction? Maybe you've tried many things, but nothing comes close.
Sometimes, you just need to grieve the loss as you give up something that's been so important to you. And sometimes you have to accept on faith that you will find more value down the road.
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Addictions
are often present with and reinforced by other problems. You must treat the whole person.
See other sections for information on other disorders.
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If you have strategies that have helped you
through recovery from an addiction, please share them with me.
While I may not be able to list them all, I'll try to update this page with the best submissions.
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