Free Addiction Program: Part 1
Learning to Overcome Addiction

The first thing you need to do is compile a list of all the harmful things that the addiction has caused in your life. This can be very disheartening, but seeing the ways that drugs have affected all parts of your life can help you realize that it is time for a change. Get a pen and a notebook and write down all the negative ways that addiction has controlled your life, health, friendships, religion, family, and appearance.

List the ways the addiction has hurt you personally but also mentally. Are you ashamed or embarrassed about your addiction? This is a common feeling that can be accompanied by depression and anxiety.

How has the addiction to drugs or alcohol affected your relationships with other people? Has it prevented you from pursuing a relationship that you have wanted to pursue?

List how the addiction has hurt you physically and how it has affected your health in general. Have you ever had or do you now have any illnesses that are a direct or indirect result of your addiction?

Has your addiction taken a toll on you financially?

As we fall deeper into addiction it can take a toll on our financial standings and bank accounts. List the time and money that is spent on perusing the drugs, paying for the drugs, picking them up, and waiting for them to arrive. Take into account not only the financial toll but also the time it took to secure the drugs.

What daily problems arise that are a direct or indirect result of your addiction? For example, missing dinners, scheduled appointments, family gatherings, work, and the list goes on.

After compiling the list of the negative effects, I want you to look over that list and study it. Really look at the changes that this addiction has made to your life, seemingly, without your permission. Once you have your negative list done and have had that realization that you need and want to change, it is time to move on to the next step in our home addiction recovery program.

Make a list of all the changes you want and need to make in order to keep moving forward in life. Look at yourself and actually access where you are and look at the future and see what you want to become post-addiction. This may give you a feeling of accomplishment if done honestly, objectively, and completely.

Take a look at the reasons why you want and need to quit.

Write them down and refer to them often, this will keep you grounded and help you stick to your plan. The reasons that you have to quit must be greater than the reasons to continue usage. This step is a mental battle and it will take some soul-searching but it is the foundation on which you will build your sober life.

There are many reasons to stop using drugs or alcohol but this list should focus on what you want for your life and your goals, not what you think should go on this list. Everything you do on this program and we cannot stress this enough needs to be honest and not en route.

Every day you do not use is one more day you have won. Remember, that recovery is not a race. It has no time limit. It takes as long as it takes. With this in mind take the time to enjoy life.

Be a tourist in your own town. This is one of the early principles that I have learned in my own recovery. Take a look at your town. Go online and see upcoming events. There may just be something that you never knew went on in your town or county. Go to museums, art galleries, parks, and landmarks. Take an interest in life. Most of these attractions are free and can offer some relief from the boredom that can trigger that random thought, that we cannot control to use drugs.

If you get the feeling of wanting to go back to using drugs or alcohol, have a list of ‘go-to’ friends or a therapist you can call or go see. The added support will help you not rationalize the ‘just one more time’ thought that we all have gone through.



Our counselors are here to take your call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can help you begin your road to recovery today. Today can be the start of your new life. Entering into a Drug Rehabilitation Center is just one phone call away. Start the healing today. Our certified counselors are here to help you find the most affordable treatment center in or outside of your area.

1-800-513-5423

Free Addiction Program: PART 2

Erik Epp – Content Author