Fighting Addictions

What defines an addiction? I have a very broad description of addictions including the following: any substance, habit, or behavior that:

1- Anything Is used regulary as a crutch and thus you are dependent on

2- Some behavior that causes you to be unsatisfied with yourself, yet you compulsively continue doing

3- Any behavior that you can't seem to control, and can't stop doing, despite your desire to do so

4- Something that is done in excess, and you need more and more of (insatiable desire)

5- Something that feels good while you are doing it, but causes guilt, shame, or a down feeling afterwards because of mental or physical depression

There are many strategies to fighting addictions and they should be used in conjunction with each other. Try them out until you find the one that works for you. I believe the steps to fighting addictions involve the following, and these create the basis for the solutions I have written to fighting the examples of addictions I have written about in the subpages.

0. Find God or a higher power that you can look to for strength and love and positive guidance

1. Find the need that causes you to use the substance or behavior

2. Watch yourself for thoughts and triggers for these needs

3. Try to eliminate the needs or causes

4. Watch the thoughts that lead to the abuse

5. Come up with ways to combat these thoughts and find a positive alternative

6. Prepare mentally ahead of time when faced with temptations / patterns

7. Avoid triggers / temptations

8. If necessary, find support and read books on addictions

9. Stay positive, and avoid feeling guilty or ashamed of your behavior as this can be a trigger in itself. Do not punish yourself or beat yourself up mentally

10. Enjoy life as it is, even while you are going through the process of combatting your addictions