Addiction comes in many forms, including smoking, binge eating, drinking or even excessive gaming. Typically, addictions actually mask an internal issue for which people receive comfort through an external stimulus. There are natural methods to overcome addictions, however, by using mechanisms that attend to internal problems.
Exercise
One positive way to naturally overcome addiction is to exercise. Addiction and depression commonly go hand-in-hand, and exercise increases serotonin and releases endorphins that helps boost mood and lift depression. Exercise lifts the depressive state that triggers addiction. The effects of exercise provide a temporary boost in the beginning and eventually bring a more permanent state of higher serotonin levels as exercise becomes consistent.
Volunteer
Volunteerism with a charity or group works in several ways to help naturally overcome addiction. Taking an active role in the community provides a project to occupy time and give a sense of purpose. A purposeful distraction creates an outlet to think of other things than an addiction. Giving back also makes people feel good about themselves, reducing the need to turn to a substance. It helps those with an addiction to feel that other need them. Raising money for a charity, mentoring at-risk youth or planning an event creates that need for accountability. Volunteerism is also a great way to get to know new people and form healthy relationships.
Avoid Triggers
Whether it is certain social events, another person or even a sad song, each person with an addiction has specific triggers, circumstances that make people want to rely on their addiction. In order to overcome addiction naturally, it is important to work to identify and avoid those triggers. Keeping a journal to note cravings identifies issues, such as time of day or areas of the daily routine, that promote an addiction. After careful observation, those wanting to overcome addiction need to find ways to completely avoid those triggers or find ways to implement healthy habits when triggers occur.
Join a Support Group
Some addictions, such as those to alcohol, drugs or tobacco, commonly have community support groups. These groups provide an outlet to discuss issues that led to the addiction and find support for permanent recovery. A counselor for outpatient drug rehab programs says many of these support groups offer mentors to guide newcomers through the recovery process. This provides accountability while overcoming an addiction. Support groups also foster a sense of community to help alleviate depression and removes people from the isolation that addition so often creates.
Addiction causes isolation and depression, which have serious consequences for how people interact with others, feel about themselves and advance their well-being. Natural methods to fight addiction place an emphasis on using community support and inner strength to fight the internal causes for addiction.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She graduated from the University of California-Sacramento with a degree in Journalism. She interviews with small businesses and educational institutions regularly to learn new career building strategies.