What to Do with Addiction

What to Do with Addiction

            Holidays are meant to be times of enjoyment with family and friends. The preparation and anticipation of holidays also brings along lots of stress, overwhelm and worry. There are so many things that need to be done and so many events to attend. Purchasing gifts, decorations and food causes stress on finances and time. Making your way through store crowds and traffic is too much to deal with.  Keeping up with invites and attending the numerous celebrations you are invited to leads to excessive anxiety.

            These stressors can be the gateway to initiating addictive behaviors or relapse back into addiction. Holidays are inevitable and happen on a regular basis all year long. The best way to enjoy holidays and still maintain your lush lifestyle effectively is through having an addiction management system already activated.

           

            Intervention. Triggers. Support. The ITS System gives you the strength to overcome and manage addiction tendencies during stressful and overwhelming times. Planning and processing are key elements to executing an addiction management system.

Addiction Analysis #1:

Intervention

            Prevention happens after an addiction episode has taken a toll on you and you want to stop the path of destruction. Intervention is a proactive attempt to make sure certain turmoil are under control before an adverse outcome takes you totally under.

            Interventions are numerous and come in many forms. The best selection process is to pick interventions that are relevant to your strengths and desired lifestyle. There is no cookie cutter intervention that can be placed on everyone and have the expectation of a successful return on the investment.

            A wise comprehensive intervention strategy is to have an anti- addiction action plan. Within the plan, be sure to include interventions related to your interests, hobbies, current lifestyle and family needs. For example, do not include an aerobic workout session three times a week to your list of interventions if you do not enjoy exercising.

Addiction Analysis #2:

Triggers

            Be aware of your surroundings. People, places and things should be conducive to the positive lifestyle you are trying to maintain. Choose people who are interested in your well- being. Frequent venues that do not partake in destructive habit forming activities. Participate in activities that keep you on the straight and narrow pathway of not overindulging in events that hinder your success.

            Triggers that can activate addiction are night clubs, liquor stores, excess cash, ATMs, a partner or friend that has addictive behaviors, restaurants, casinos, etc. Usually triggers are whatever reminds you of your addiction. Stay clear of the reminders. Replace the negative people, places and things with more positive sources.   

Addiction Analysis #3:

Support

            Having someone there for you during indecisive and trying situations is

very important when fulfilling goals. Positive networks of family and friends helps you build the confidence you need. It’s beneficial to have support systems so that you know that an addiction is not the best option to handling your life.

            Other types of encouragement come from support groups. Local chapters of Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous or whatever specific challenge your struggle entails are available near you. Additionally, sports teams, church organizations, social clubs or volunteer groups provide positive connections. Support links you to others who share the same interests and/ or concerns. Therefore, you have the ability to lift each other to the level of success deserved.

           

            Don’t let an addiction lead you down the wrong pathway. When stress, overwhelm or anxiety appear to be approaching you, implement a management system that addresses ITS. Holidays are joyous, fun filled occasions. Make sure that you are proactive in keeping your holidays and life thereafter intact and successful.

            Do you need help identifying your ITS system? Let GinMan Consulting assist with your individualized action plan. Book a FREE 30 minute consultation to identify your needs and desires for a successful life. Visit bit.ly/PPLfree TODAY. 

>>>Contact me at www.ginmanconsulting to leave comments and make inquiries about your choices.