Being dependant is not liked by anyone. Every one resides as a free bird and any sort of inhibition is derogatory. Though one can remove the restrictions laid by others but the self made ones have to be combated on own. It’s easy to scold anyone near to just stay away and mind their own business to focus but what to do if your inner self makes you a slave. This is the scenario that terms addiction it may be of any activity or substance. The hazards are troublesome, debilitating and taking most of the precious time that could have to utilise to do something more fruitful. Some of the common addictions are smoking, alcohol, sex addiction, shopping addiction etc. These all have to be dealt on a similar pattern, training the mind for a better future.  

What is addiction?

Addiction is an activity in which a person gets involved often to an extent disturbing other spheres of life. All like family, work, personal life are compromised by an addict to fulfil the addictive behaviour. Medically the term is marked only when the activity is practiced enough to restrain the person from routine activities or work. Here even the person is ready to give up on career to practice the odds. He / she see the hazards but knowingly keep on indulging with a guilt feeling left behind. The guilt is momentary and may limit for a while but usually fails to do the needful and later the addict is all set to practice the deed again. 

What to do? 

• Realise and accept: the foremost step here lies to acknowledge the handicap. Till an individual makes up a mind to accept the addiction and do seriously something about it; nothing can be done. 
• Be responsible: a patient should take full responsibility of his /her life and move wise. Others can help but till the addict makes up his / her mindset till then no one can help
• See for abnormal signs and triggering factors: once aware an addict should remove potent triggers. For smokers all the cigarettes to be removed, for shopaholics all the cards should be kept at bay
• Never let them take over; these addictives surely surmount but adopt gradual withdrawal to curtail obstacles. Instant abstinence can be harmful, make a gradual and effective approach
• Try control the withdrawal symptoms with apt tactics such as replacing the time spent on the awful practice by some physical activity. Like jogging, cycling, badminton or swimming, these will divert and will also stimulate on the feel good factors alleviating moods and making things swift
• Medicinal solutions: if required medicines may have to be used in case of any pathology particularly on substance addiction. An addict should be first investigated thoroughly and then treated. Also sedatives may have to be applied to clam senses and limit addictive behaviour. Remember to never adopt these on own, always seek expert help
• Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques should be must to keep the zeal high and energetic. Yoga and meditation under expert hands is a must for general well being.

De addiction is not an easy job; it needs the addict and the family to work together for a better living. If you have someone close struggling help and never look down as they need you badly to anchor in the tough situation.