Overcoming Addiction and Dependency through Self-Hypnosis
Self-hypnosis takes the harshness out of giving up by presenting to your subconscious, alternatives and substitutes that can either equal or replace the old unwanted behaviors. By transferring attention away from the habit, towards healthy meaningful goals, within a short space of time new substitutes become just as longed for as old addictions once were.
An addiction fulfils a particular need or set of needs that cannot otherwise be fulfilled through non-addictive means. Some people have the strength to fight addiction head on (cold turkey) and they are to be admired for their courage. But in order to quit an addiction permanently, without the suffering that's normally associated with giving up, you must first consider the value of your addiction and what it means to you personally. Ask yourself this question: "What particular need is my addiction trying to fulfill?" If an appropriate substitution is to be put in place, it must be one that is capable of satisfying your unconscious need for satisfaction as good as the old addiction once did. This is why you must choose your new substitute wisely. It must be equal or greater in value to the addiction you are giving up.
For those with addictive personalities, negative addictions can be turned into positive ones. This is done by increasing your subconscious motivation; where you consistently direct it towards healthy substitutions each day. In the cases of smoking, alcohol or drug addictions, what is needed to put an end to them is a final decision to stop: period. The reason that many people struggle when fighting addiction is because they haven't yet truly come to the point where they are ready to stop their habit. The desire to give up simply isn't strong enough. Consciously they may want to stop, but unconsciously they may not. Without a strong desire to end addiction, you are fighting a losing battle.
To free the mind and body of addiction, you must break away from the environments that trigger your addictive responses. You must deny yourself the luxury of relaxation through addictive means; for example, pondering life after drinking eight pints of beer, or going into a chemically induced trance while under the influence of drugs. Alcohol and drug addiction sucks the life out of personality by stunting the process of maturation. Getting drunk or high regularly as a way to unwind is illogical and dangerous. The last thing that you really do is unwind. How can a person relax knowing they've just blown all their cash on drink or drugs? But that's the least of their worries. Their habit is more than likely ruining their life because they are in the midst of a crisis. Addiction happens easily and mercilessly. It feeds itself in a manner that cares little for the individual, but only for the addiction. If you are suffering because of addiction, there is plenty of help out there. Enjoy using this book as an aid to your recovery. But if your problem is impeding on your life, please get some professional assistance now.
Substance abuse must be combated in a soldier-like fashion if you are to be successful in eliminating addiction. Even for those people with a good ability to stay on top of things, addiction can prove a dominant force at the best of times. This is because at the best of times we tend to celebrate and feed our addictions even more. They are there when you are happy and they are there when you are sad. But if the means to feed the addiction is not present in a time of distress, or if you resort to another, equally damaging substitute, then you can safely say you're addicted. If you truly want to put an end to addiction, you must be willing to make sacrifices. Then you must make a life changing decision – a decision to stop: period.
The smoker who wishes to give up must visualize him/herself as a non-smoker, living a smoke-free lifestyle. He/she must learn what triggers the response to light up. 'Does a cigarette keep my anxiety in check, or is it just to relieve boredom? 'What needs am I trying to fulfill by smoking?' These types of question help you choose substitutions that can equally gratify your pleasure seeking instincts. It enables your habitual mind to unlearn old habits. The reason that alcohol and drugs are so hard to give up is because when they are not present, problems can seem to get bigger instead of smaller. The benefits of the addiction may appear to far outweigh the benefits of giving it up. This is what keeps you stuck, even if your will to give up is strong. You must imagine yourself free.
Addiction is not something you cannot escape from. Addiction is simply a drive that has become habitual through reinforcement. If repetition is responsible, then the addiction must be given a taste of its own medicine in self-hypnosis. Here the suggestion, image and belief that you are no longer addicted can be implanted daily. So too can images of the new substitute that is replacing the addiction. Once the subconscious has established a new way to satisfy its longing for pleasure, it will no longer be happy with just a quick fix, which is all that an addiction can provide.
How to Stop Addiction and Dependency
Instill a real desire to end your addictions.
Doing it for family and friends is not enough.
You must want it badly, and be willing to make sacrifices.
Stop the dependency by making a decision to end the addiction.
Evaluate the possible alternatives and substitutes available to you.
Find the ones that have the capacity to fulfill your needs. This is very important.
Set a date for when you will give up and focus on that date intently. Remember; goals are dreams with deadlines.
Pre-empt how your future is going to look by imagining big, bright, colorful images of an addiction-free lifestyle. Imagine it, experience it, believe it!
If you have many addictions, make sure to target one at a time.
When the day to give up your addiction finally arrives; invest as much energy as you can in your new substitute, hobby or desired alternative.
Stay busy, but relax properly.
Keep away from tempting environments until you are ready.
Breathe with positive suggestion in times of need. Get through the moment!
Pay close attention to your out-breath, and divert attention to what is external.
Don't tolerate self-pity. Nip it in the bud with action.
Have faith in your ability to remain in control.
Repeat the suggestion, "I'm in full control," regularly and with belief. What your mind believes, it achieves.
Whenever you think of the old addiction, view the past in black and white, as if watching an old movie.
Create cues to bring about desired responses in testing situations, for example:
"Whenever I smell a cigarette, I feel repulsed and immediately need to drink water; cool, pure, refreshing water."
"When my friends smoke cannabis, I feel sorry for them."
By staying out of addictions' way, it stays out of yours.
Don't put yourself in awkward situations that tempt fate.
If you have given up drugs, keep away from the party scene until you are strong enough to resist them.
If you're addicted to gambling on horses, steer clear of the bookies.
There's no half-way house or compromising with addiction.
It's a war that can only be won by annihilating the enemy, completely.
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