Quit Your Addictions Now! Using Self-Isolation to Start De-Addiction

While scrolling through my social media post I came across various memes on how self-isolation, quarantine, lockdown are making it difficult for those with one or the other addiction, to stay without their substance.

It’s then when it came to my head that why not use this time as an opportunity to De-addict oneself from all the harmful substance use or abuse.

Why is this the GOLDEN TIME?

Research shows that one of the major reasons behind developing an addiction to substance use and abuse is social situations. Whether you are with your social group or attending a social gathering, your chances of using a substance increase manifold.

But, with the lockdown time, this major reason is automatically struck out of the list. So, let us move further and start our journey to de-addiction.

Disclaimer: Quitting an Addiction is best done under medical supervision. However, you can start with basics and help yourself.

Before you set yourself ready for this journey let us check for the basic yet most crucial requirement of the same:

SELF-DETERMINATION

Have you decided to quit? If YES! Then KUDOS…

If not then, don’t worry! You will get there.

Here are some ways that will help you build your self-determination and further with de-addiction.

1. Write down all the negatives associated with your addiction. It can be anything that comes to your head.
2. Write down all the positives that you will rejoice once you quit this habit of yours.
3. Jot down your solid reasons to quit. Include everything- your family, future, health, and others.

Now we are good to go!

Starting Your DE-ADDICTION JOURNEY:

Let us start with a mental note first:

 

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A post shared by Calm Sage (@thecalmsage) on Mar 24, 2020 at 8:54pm PDT

Here are some ways that you can use during this time of uncertainty and learn about your inner strengths:

1. The 21/90 Rule

To form a habit be it good or bad, personal or professional generally we abide by 21/90 rules. The same applies to develop your addiction to a particular substance.

The rule is quite simple if you commit to a personal goal for 21 days straight. After three weeks’ time, the pursuit of it becomes a habit. Once this habit is established you can continue for 90 days. If you manage to maintain this practice for three weeks at first and then for ninety days, congratulations! You have made a permanent lifestyle change now!

You can apply the same to your de-addiction.

Don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs for 21 days at first. If you face discomfort at any level ‘just breathe.’ Reward yourself with your favorite meal or video game session. Now continue it for 90 more days and congratulations you just quit a bad habit!

2. Find a New Distraction

You can fill in your time with some healthy distractions. Generally, we all follow a pattern to consume a particular substance. Now that you have been trying to quit it there is a need to fill in this pattern.

There are certain activities that will not only keep you distracted physically and mentally but will also fill in for the hormonal changes, biologically.

This includes- exercising, taking up a new hobby, spending time with your pet, practicing your favorite sport, to name a few.

These activities produce endorphin hormones that are similar to ones released in addiction. Thus, making you feel good overall.

3. Keep Triggers Away

We discussed above that certain places, events, people can be underlying reasons for your addictions. However, for this time when you are working towards quitting your addictions stay away from your triggers.

Don’t Let Rationalizations Win Over

De-addiction is definitely not easy. It is an overwhelming process for the body and mind. As a result of this, you might hear an inner voice telling you to take up the habit again. To win this battle with self you can consider the following three steps process:

• Identify your rationalization voice. Once you know the thoughts that are hindering in your journey of quitting an addiction, you can move further to battle them out.
• Think of a red sign, more like a stop sign, and focus on it till the thoughts leave your head. Don’t forget to do deep breathing at the same time.
• Once the thoughts fade away to go back to your list of reasons for quitting and remind yourself why you are doing this.

You are definitely going to come out even stronger this time!

Remember: Every bit of pain and discomfort will be worth it in the end. Be strong!

If you face a RELAPSE it is okay everyone slips from time to. It is important here to not let this slip turn into a full-blown bouncing back to the previous state. Instead, take time to look back and identify why it happened and start all over again, with more determination.

Disclaimer: If you face difficulty following the above-mentioned measures but you still want to quit then seeking professional health is recommended.

However, if these measures help you quit your addiction do let us know in the comment section below.

More power to you…

More Article About COVID 19 LockDown Guide:

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