Struggling with addiction? Learn how to break free with expert advice on identifying triggers, seeking therapy, and redefining your identity.
Addiction is a topic that gets tossed around in sensational news stories and dramas, painting a picture of helplessness and hopelessness. But is that really the full story? Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The truth is that addiction is far more complex than the stereotypical images we see in the media. In fact, it’s a biopsychosocial condition (taking into account biological, psychological and social factors) that literally changes the way your brain works. We’re talking about a fundamental rewiring of brain chemistry as a stress or fear response. So, how can you break free? Let’s dive into how to recover from addiction — with advice from the experts from Promises Healthcare.
1. Get real with your triggers
The effort to overcome addiction can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, a phenomenon often referred to as the “cobra effect”. This refers to a situation where the incentive or solution unintentionally makes the problem worse. Think of it this way: it’s like trying to climb a mountain, but you can never get near the peak no matter how hard you try.
At the start, addictive behaviours may give you a temporary sense of relief – they ease the struggle, and you feel like you have a foothold on the climb. But, as the dopamine fades, you face steep slopes on the mountain and the stress piles up. You press on, but it gets harder the higher you ascend. Eventually, you’re stuck in a loop where the weight of addiction grows heavier with every step, and you find yourself constantly climbing but never reaching the top.
Dr. Terry Spokes, Group Director of Clinical Services at Promises Healthcare, explains that substance abuse often starts as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or just life in general. But what starts as a quick fix can turn into a vicious cycle. Instead of solving your problems, addiction just piles on more, leading to issues like damaged relationships, financial troubles, health problems, job loss, and legal complications. These make it even harder to break free from addiction, trapping you in an increasingly difficult situation.
The first step in breaking free? Awareness. You’ll need to work on meditation and other mindfulness practices to be able to pause when you experience moments of discomfort that trigger the urge or craving. Take a good, hard look at what triggers your addictive behaviours. Maybe it’s that post-work drink that spirals into ten, or the anxiety that makes you reach for a smoke or comfort food. Identifying these triggers is essential in preventing the cycle from perpetuating.
2. Medication is a tool, not a cure
Let’s clear up a common myth right now: medication isn’t a magic bullet for curing addiction. It’s helpful, but it’s not going to fix the root of the problem, as Dr Spokes points out. Medication can be incredibly useful in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but it’s most effective when used alongside therapy, counselling, and peer support.
Addiction is like an iceberg. The part you see — the substance use or addictive behaviour — is just the tip. Lurking beneath the surface is a whole world of emotional and psychological issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma and more. These are the real drivers of addiction, and until they’re addressed, recovery can be an uphill battle. The good news? Addressing these core issues offers a better quality of life than you’ve experienced.
3. Rewiring your brain
Engaging professional help is crucial to establishing healthy boundaries and keeping you on the right path. Whether it’s one-on-one or group-based, therapy is where meaningful progress is made. It’s where you learn to understand yourself, rewire your brain, develop coping strategies, and most importantly, build a support network.
Dr. Spokes stresses that being part of a recovery community can make all the difference. These are the people who get it — who’ve been there, done that, and can offer the kind of support and understanding that can significantly impact your recovery journey.
Take your first steps to recovery
Here’s the thing: addiction doesn’t define you. It’s just one part of your story, and with the right support, it’s a chapter that can come to a close. This is where Promises Healthcare comes in. Their team of experts employs a holistic approach to recovery, addressing the neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to addiction. With the appropriate interventions, it is possible to break free from the grip of substances, habits, or behaviours that have held you back.
Addiction recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, but it’s one that’s entirely possible with the right tools and support. Whether it’s understanding your triggers, seeking therapy, or simply finding a community that gets you, every step forward is a step closer to reclaiming a life where addiction no longer holds sway.
This post is in partnership with Promises Healthcare.
