Good New! Science helps overcome Addictions

Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

In today's world of mechanical life, as a way to vent out their emotions or to 'forget their problems', people resolve to things that give them immediate relief, without thinking about their harmful effects in the long run. Usually they are attracted to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, and the like. Very soon, they realize how such pleasurable things can damage their physical and mental health severely; but by that time, they would have already been in the tight clutches of their addiction. Even if they want, they cannot stop using such substances or behaviors; the addiction has enslaved them.

Nevertheless, overcoming any addiction should not be difficult for a determined mind. Where there is a will, there is a way. Understanding the science of addiction can help us to address the problem at the root level and overcome it easily. Today, there are many tested and proven scientific ways of overcoming addictions. Psychology and Medical science have come out with therapeutic ways of treating the condition of addiction and assured ways of recovery.

Anatomy of addictions

Though moral awareness can help us keep away from addictions, it is important to understand that addiction is not an intended immoral act, it is in fact a disease condition of brain. As mentioned earlier, the person chooses to quit the addictive behavior or substance upon realizing the harm involved to oneself and to the society, but he or she cannot do it. It is not a moral deficiency; rather, it is a chronic disability of brain. The problem lies not in the person, but in the substance or the behavior. 

The brain has a natural mechanism of producing a chemical called dopamine that makes us feel good when we engage in any positive activity such as listening to music or taking an early-morning walk; that is why we wish to keep doing them. On the other hand, the nature of the addictive substance or the behavior is such that they stimulate the brain to release sky-high amounts of dopamine that gives our brain a strong sense of pleasure. That gradually makes the brain unable to derive happiness from natural positive activities and depend more and more on the sudden surge of dopamine created by addictive substance or behavior. Thus the addiction enslaves us.

Ways to get addiction under control

Firstly, make a decision to change yourself and take charge of your life, and set a definite goal in that direction. Specify why, how, what, where, and when the addiction to be overcome completely. Put the goal in writing and try to detail it out as much as possible. For example, enumerate the pros and cons of quitting the addictive substance or behavior.

Set the proper environment. Try to be surrounded by positive artifacts and people in order to keep yourself warmth and comfortable. At the same time, remove the things that remind you of your addiction and trigger craving. For example, if you are addicted to pornography, clear the porn websites from the favorites list.

Adopt techniques to strengthen your mind, such as regular practice of yoga, meditation, pranayama (breath-regulation exercise), and taking an early-morning walk. All these can reduce the mental craving to a great extent and keep your brain naturally happy.

Keep busy in positive, constructive, and enjoyable work. Rest and relax sufficiently and also have time for fun and recreation in positive ways. Associate with a sober social network that boosts your morale.

Get the support of psychological counseling and medication. Professional counselors provide judgment-free guidance on ways of addiction recovery. They provide behavioral counseling, and may suggest medical intervention, if required, and also help you manage the recovery in the long term. While usually the behavioral addictions can be cured with behavioral counseling, substance abusers require medical intervention as their addiction may worsen without medical treatment. Sometimes it is advisable to combine both counseling and medical therapy. The medical treatment usually involves outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, detoxication, dopamine/ serotonine / omega 3 fatty-acid supplements, and pharmacological treatments. Medical treatment can go a long way in kicking off the addiction habit.

Explore outside support groups and community programs available for those recovering from addictions. They maintain the patient's anonymity and provide a platform to open up their concerns during their struggle with addiction. They also guide the family members of the patients through the recovery process. Explore the websites of such programs for their addresses and toll free numbers.

Plan to avoid relapse. It is necessary to have a clear relapse prevention plan that recognizes warning signs, avoids triggers, copes with withdrawal symptoms, and builds support systems.