The inherent challenge in addiction — and, really in life as well — is learning how to stop addictive behaviors. But that’s easier said than done and is sometimes not totally in your control. Addiction alters the balance of chemicals in your brain — essentially almost rewiring how you think. Just like you’d never tell a depressed person to “just cheer up,” you can’t tell something who abuses substances to just stop drinking. There are too many complications and too much at stake — physically and emotionally.

That said, addiction and behavioral science have developed ways that can help you stop addictive behaviors. It takes patience and work, a lot of commitment, but it can be done so you can live a happier existence. Georgia Addiction Treatment Center offers numerous addiction treatment programs for those ready to overcome their drug or alcohol abuse.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a serious and highly complex disorder of the brain. It’s not just about drinking too much or using illicit drugs. Addictions can emerge from behaviors, such as gambling or sex.

The definition of an addiction is when a person continues his or her addictive behavior even though it causes continuous, worsening problems in their lives — at work, at home, at school. Take someone who has had several arrests for drunk driving, for example. If he or she keeps drinking in the face of legal troubles, they’re showing signs of a serious addiction.
Addiction in the United States is quite widespread, and the problems can be staggering. In 2018 alone, for instance, there were 67,000 deaths from a drug overdose and an even greater number from alcohol-related incidents.

How to Stop Addictive Behaviors

Professional therapy is one of the most powerful tools in how to stop addictive behaviors. But it’s not the only way. There are steps you can take in your daily life.
Calling a halt to addictive behaviors does not just involve drugs and alcohol. Other elements of life can become addictive too, such as excessive gambling, risky sexual behaviors, continuous absorption into video gaming, or the Internet.

Whether addictive behaviors or substance abuse, short of professional treatment, there are steps you can take to guide you back toward a healthier lifestyle.
These include activities such as taking up a sport, building a hobby such as painting or planting a garden, meditating, getting and playing with a pet, and more.

The Treatment Road

Addictive behaviors that lead to addiction require professional help. But the idea of rehab or treatment may sound scary to you as a step toward a brighter future. Being wary is a good thing, but know that treatment has helped millions turn their lives around and seek out a better day. Sometimes a little knowledge can help. The typical stages of treatment include:

  • Comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation
  • Developing a thorough treatment plan to guide your recovery
  • Detox, to remove drugs and alcohol from your system
  • Counseling such as individual therapy and at the group level
  • Aftercare, to help reduce the risk of relapse

Even beyond treatment, you can learn and practice strategies for how to stop addictive behaviors.

Addressing Addiction

One of the keys to ending substance abuse is learning how to stop addictive behaviors. It’s easier said than done. Excessive use of drugs and essentially turns addictive behaviors into the norm. One of the ways to stop addictive behaviors is to pursue and complete professional treatment programs, such as those we offer at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center.

Our philosophy is to treat the whole individual — addressing not just the physical but also the emotional effects of substance abuse. Our treatment staff provides intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization in a safe, comfortable location. We also provide counseling to help stop addictive behaviors. Call us at [Direct] today for an initial consultation to learn how we can help.

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