If Youre Concerned About A Loved One
It may be a problem if you notice that your loved one:
- watches while at work or at other inappropriate places and times
- is unable to keep up with their social, occupational, or other important obligations
- is experiencing relationship difficulties
- has tried to cut back or stop, but cant keep themselves away from it
If someone you care about shows signs of a compulsion or addiction, it may be time to open the lines of nonjudgmental communication.
Access The Wound That Makes You Return To Unhealthy Addiction
We live in a broken, fallen world. You can grow up in a perfect family with tons of support and still get hurt. Some people can process their pain relationally with others, but many of us cant do that. We dont know how. We find ways to numb our pain, and those can become addictions.
Ultimately, you must go on the journey of exploring your own life and ask, “Where have I been wounded and how do those wounds affect me today?”
Have you been hurt by abuse? Divorce? High school? If we dont identify these wounds, well end up treating the symptoms rather than the root problems. You must explore your own story with safe people. Discover where youve been wounded and allow yourself to process that pain. Then you can find healing.
There Are Other More Specific Lies That Your Addiction Voice Can Throw At You As Well
In addition to the prediction, there are other more specific lies your addiction can try to pull on you as well.
Some common lies the sensitized pathways were whispering in my ears, back when I was struggling with my own addiction, a few years ago could look something like this
- Come on, just one last time, then I’ll start a new life on Monday
- Just a few more times wouldn’t hurt, besides, everybody does it
- We’re not going to relapse, just check this one thing quickly
Now, your job is to become super aware of your inner voice, and recognize all the lies the sensitized pathways are whispering to you.
It takes some practice to become aware of the lies, but with a little effort you’ll be able to do it fairly quickly.
so, it’s clearly a big, fat, life.
Read Also: Medication Prescribed For Alcohol Addiction
Understand The Nature Of The Battle
There is more knowledge about how the brain works now than ever before. Sexual addiction is not just a moral problem it is also a brain problem.
We can develop a brain problem with moral implications that cant be healed by moral solutions alone. We cannot just read our Bibles more, pray more or attend more small groups. We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and we must find healing for our wounds.
So where is healing found?
Have Goals You Keep Working On
When your trying to overcome an addiction, or even just stop a bad habit that is very powerful, it is absolutely crucial that you have some goals that you keep working on.
And by this I mean that can, and should not, be your only goal.
Why?
Well, because
only trying to build your life around something that you want to get away from is not a productive way to go about it. It makes your life empty and, on top of this, it actually also increases your risk of failing with that one thingeven though that’s the only thing you’re trying to achieve.
Also Check: How To Convince An Addict They Need Help
Dont Beat Yourself Up If You Fall Off The Wagon
Trying to break a habit or recover from an addiction is a journey. Unfortunately, on that journey, you might find yourself slipping back into old habits. Whenever that happens, dont waste any time beating yourself up.
Do your research, try more coping mechanisms and treatment options and get back on the wagon.
Are There Treatment Options Available
Many individuals benefit from who can help them overcome emotional difficulties and make positive changes in their lives. Usually, treatment incorporates:
- : This therapy focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing coping strategies that target current problems.
- Individual therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions offer a unique and transparent space for those in recovery to express their challenges, emotions, and hopes.
- Couples therapy: When behavioral addictions break apart relationships, both romantic and family ones, couples counseling can help restore trust and rebuild relationships, which can be essential for support in long-term recovery.
- Group therapy: Speaking about challenges, emotions, and troubles in a group environment, can offer a sense of fellowship and support and provide a space to build sober relationships.
- Self-help groups: Usually, addiction is a lifelong journey self-help groups can offer aftercare support once someone ends treatment. Usually, these 12-step programs provide a sense of structure that can help with long-term sobriety.
You May Like: How Do You Know If You Are Addicted To Something
Increase Your Intake Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
In the bookUnchain Your Brain, a book about overcoming addiction, there is one chapter where the brain experts, Daniel G. Amen and David E. Smith, talk about how getting more omega 3 in your diet can help with your impulse control.
They have even done studies on addicts specifically on this.
One study found that the addicts who had lower omega 3 levels had significantly more relapses on their road to recovery.
Pretty interesting, huh?
Since making sure to get enough omega 3 is both easy as well as healthy, this is a practical tip that is worth knowing.
Here are some foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids
So make sure you include some of those the next time your writing your shopping list.
Of course you could also use a good omega 3 supplement, like I personally do.
You might ask
What Is It
Some people arent interested in it, and some are deeply offended by it. Others partake of it occasionally, and others on a regular basis.
It all boils down to personal preference and personal choice.
Since the existence of porn addiction is not recognized by the APA, no definitive diagnostic criteria guide mental health professionals in its diagnosis.
Well explore the difference between compulsion and addiction, and review how to:
- recognize habits which may be considered problematic
- reduce or eliminate unwanted behavior
- know when to talk to a mental health professional
Read Also: How Bad Is Heroin Addiction
