Overcoming addictions: Where to start?

We live in a world where compulsive behaviours are rampant. Food, technology, shopping, pornography, alcohol, and drugs among many others. They do not serve us and we cannot stop when we would like to.

Do you want to overcome any compulsive behaviour? If yes, please read on.

There are many paths to recovery. However, the first step of any successful path is being part of a supportive community. It is a must.

Recovering without a supportive community is like learning to swim with a heavy rock on our backs.

It is best to join a community which includes people who have overcome the same compulsive behaviour you want to tackle. It will give you hope that this addiction is not invincible, no matter what your past may have been.

In such communities, you are likely to hear stories where people who were worse off than you have recovered. If someone else can do it, you can do it too. This realisation is constantly reminded just by being part of such a community.

A community of recovering people will also give you an energetic boost. There is a power in numbers. It is said that you are the average of five people you hang out with. If you hang out with five sober people, odds are very strongly in your favour towards a life worth living.

I don’t know why this happens but I have often seen in the people i work with - flagging spirits are transformed into buoyant ones just by being a part of such groups. This boost helps one to do the right things and overcome limitations.

Addiction leads to isolation. So, part of recovery is to break this isolation. A community of recovering people provide that – they have a common problem which is profound and holds its members strongly together.

Being understood is a very deep need of every human being and is fulfilled by a community. One can easily pick up the phone and talk about their daily challenges to other fellows. They can help each other in a way no one else can because they understand each other.

Where to find such communities?

The most widespread community is of 12-step groups . They are one of the most open and welcoming people I have met. However, some people resonate more with other groups such as SMART recovery, Moderation Management, Women for Sobreity, Lifering, and SOS.

Try one group. If it doesn’t work, try another one. Until you find your home.