Kick Addictions With These Expert Tips

One in eight Americans have a substance abuse problem and not to be cynical but I'm sure at least another five are suffering from addictions as well. Addiction is prevalent in our society in so many ways. Every day, knowingly or not, many people struggle with addictions to caffeine, food, stress, sex, gambling, online gaming or even just television. Although it is not uncommon to have to face down an addiction (even a small one like my Diet Coke habit), it isn't usually an easy process to kick it for good. With any addiction, it takes making a conscious choice to want to beat it. Here is some advice from some of our Intent Voices, professionals in the wellness & health fields to help you do just that!

Get Some Buddies

It works for Girl Scouts, depressives, and addicts of all kinds. I remember having to wake up my buddy to go pee in the middle of the night at Girl Scout camp. That was right before she rolled off her cot, out of the tent and down the hill, almost into the creek. Our job as buddies is to help each other not roll out of the tent and into the stream, and to keep each other safe during midnight bathroom runs. My buddies are the six numbers programmed into my cell phone, the voices that remind me sometimes as many as five times a day: "It will get better.

Read Away the Craving
Books can be buddies too! And when you are afraid of imposing on others like I am, they serve as wonderful reminders to stay on course. When I'm in a weak spot, especially with regard to addictive temptations, I place a book next to my addiction object: the Big Book (the Bible) goes next to the liquor cabinet; some 12-step pamphlet gets clipped to the freezer (home to frozen Kit Kats, Twix, and dark chocolate Hershey bars); and I'll get out Melody Beattie before e-mailing an apology to someone who just screwed me over.

Be Accountable to Someone
In the professional world, what is the strongest motivator for peak performance? The annual review (or notification of the pink slip). Twelve-step groups use this method--called accountability--to keep people sober and on the recovery wagon. Everyone has a sponsor, a mentor to teach them the program, to guide them toward physical, mental, and spiritual health. Today several people together serve as my emotional "sponsor," keeping me accountable for my actions: Mike (my writing mentor), my therapist, my doctor, Fr. Dave, Deacon Moore, Eric, and my mom. Having these folks around to divulge my misdeeds to is like confession--it keeps the list of sins from getting too long.

Continue Reading Therese Borchard's 12 Addiction Zappers

Finish what you start - having too many things on the go, incomplete projects and loose ends drains your energy and leaves you weak when you need your reserves of personal power.

Dare to do something different. You will never know the power you have until you risk going for what is really important for you. Have the courage to claim what you deeply want for yourself, and take whatever action you need to start to bring it about.

Be grateful. You may have more going for you than you generally are ever willing to admit. It is too easy to take for granted the advantages life has given to you. Gratitude allows you to be a full person, full of the value that you are and have in this world.

Continue Reading Anne Naylor's 5 Ways To Be More Powerful

Also, herbs can be used for overcoming addictions:

Basil Leaf (Ocimum basilicum, O. tenuiflorum ) is a nerve restorative that lifts the spirits from depression and calms anxiety.

Oatstraw Herb (Avena sativa, ) calms and strengthens the nerves, lessens anxiety and decreases the desire for substances. Oatstraw is an antidepressant, antispasmodic, cerebral tonic, nutritive and rejuvenative.

St. John's Wort Herb (Hypericum perforatum ) helps relieve depression and anxiety that causes one to turn to addictive substances for temporary relief.

Spearmint Leaf (Mentha spicata ) helps detoxify the lungs, is a mild stimulant, yet relaxing and opening to the mind. It is a nerve restorative.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare ) is naturally sweet which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and thereby decrease the desire for substances while improving energy levels.

Continue Reading Brigitte Mars' Herbs For Overcoming Addiction

And even more articles from Intent Voices:

Addiction and Awareness By Sheer Balance

Celebrities Dealing With Sex Addiction: Are You a Sex Addict? By Dr. Ava Cadell

Dealing With Someone Else's Addiction By Laura Earnest

Dealing With Addiction During the Holidays By Kellen Von Houser

How to Overcome Stress Addiction By Debbie Mandel

What Does Addiction Look Like? Interview With a Recovering Addict and Alcoholic By Rebecca Pacheco

From Psychology of Disease to Psychology of Choice By Pavel Somov, Ph.D

Addiction As Attachment By Philip Goldberg

Food Addiction? 6 Steps Out By Janice Taylor