Breaking Addictions |
Stop Smoking – Destructive Eating, etc. |
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The mechanics of addictions are three fold; Physical; Emotional and Psychological. Many will consider psychological and emotional in the same category, but this is not the case, clinically. Let's deal with the mechanics of the physical addiction first. Physical addiction occurs when consumption of a substance blocks production of a chemical within the body AND replaces that chemical. In the case of opiates (for example), taking opiate family pain killers like codeine, morphine or heroin both occupies the manufacture of natural pain killers in the brain and supplements those same chemicals within the nervous system. When the pain-killer is stopped, the brain is unable to get back into manufacturing its natural pain killers, resulting in 'normal' sensations being perceived as extremely painful until the natural balance and manufacture of endorphins kicks back in. Smoking both occupies and multiplies the nicotine receptors in the body, resulting in physical withdrawal when the nicotine is withheld. Emotional addiction is a complex issue. One may have resorted to alcohol in a time of sadness as it had been previously associated with happy times. That emotional attachment then becomes a compulsion when in similar 'down' times. Even though one might recognize it's negative effects on the negative state of mind, the previous emotional association and previous actions can keep the addiction in the emotional compulsion range of responses. Psychological addiction is the most challenging; we surrender to the compulsion, obeying the thing, giving up our free choice. It is psychological addiction which controls most of the other addiction strengths as well as being the one most vulnerable to behavioral modification. The following is an effective, simple and powerful technique for overcoming all types of addictions. The most focal aspect of the psychological addiction is that it is easier to surrender to the compulsion and lack of choice than it is to 'fight it'. The main thing is to follow the program without adding in judgment, self-depreciation and similar. Attaching a positive or negative judgment to this process makes it a part of the addiction, not a counter to it. Complete acceptance of the fact of free will is the key here. What we are going to do is take back your power of choice. Re-enforcement of free-will is the key to breaking the addiction cycle. I will use smoking as the example, but I am sure everyone is smart enough to see the principle and apply it to their own needs,.. even food! How to break the addiction cycle Every time you reach for your cigarette pack, say quietly and clearly and deliberately to yourself, "It is with my free choice that I choose to pick up this packet." When you go to light the cigarette, say again to yourself, "It is with my free choice that I choose to light this cigarette." Every time you go to take a puff, say to yourself, "It is with my free choice that I choose to have this puff." The magic happens as you reprogram your mind to disbelieve the emotional and psychological addictions. It is critical that this is done without self-judgment or self-criticism. You are not giving up smoking, you are taking back your power of choice, making the process one of conscious control. Eventually, in a few weeks, you will find yourself naturally making different choices. Good luck and stay with it, consistently and persistently. |