Q-Quit Addiction

Addiction is a progressive disease and psychiatric disorder that is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as "a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. It is characterized by the inability to control behavior, it creates a dysfunctional emotional response, and it affects the users ability to abstain from the substance or behavior consistently.Psychology Today defines addiction as "a state that can occur when a person either consumes a substance such as nicotine, cocaine, or, alcohol or engages in an activity such as gambling or shopping/spending
When a non-addict takes a drug or performs a behavior for the first time he/she does not automatically become an addict. Over time the non-addict chooses to continue to engage in a behavior or ingest a substance because of the pleasure the non-addict receives. The now addict has lost the ability to choose or forego the behavior or substance and the behavior becomes a compulsive action.

The change from non-addict to addict occurs largely from the effects of prolonged substance use and behavior activities on brain functioning. Addiction affects the brain circuits of reward and motivation, learning and memory, and the inhibitory control over behavior.

Quitting is to cease or discontinue...Addiction has a lots of side effects hence many people think about quitting addiction and try different ways ....and again have relapse..

Some tips to quitting addiction...understand that it is a health issue.

1) Acknowledge the purpose: Why do you do it? You have to be able to answer that question. Is it to help you deal with anxiety and stress? It may be hard for you to admit that you have a drinking or smoking habit, but you can't change what you don't acknowledge.
2)Think rational thoughts instead of denial-You understand at a conscious level, at an intellectual level that your addiction is unhealthy, yet you continue and this perplexes you.
3) Use alternative coping skills-People don't break bad habits; they replace them with new ones. Recognize that you get a reward from smoking or drinking
4) Identify your danger zones-A danger zone can be a particular time of day or your reaction to a particular circumstance. There are times that you're more prone to indulge in your habit than others. Recognize what those times are, and do something that is incompatible with the addiction you're trying to break.
5) Making lifestyle changes:You have to set your life up for success if you're going to break your addiction. If you're trying to stop smoking or drinking, try simple things like not carrying money for cigarette vending machines or cleaning your cupboards of alcoholic beverages. You may have to change the places you frequent, what you do for fun and whom you hang out with. If you are a computer junkie, remove the computer from your house. The best way to stop an addiction is to not have access to it.
6) Be accountable and have a support system-Being accountable to someone means that that person will not only support you but also will reprimand
Reward yourself-Overcoming an addiction can be very difficult, but it can be done. When you see yourself making progress, even baby steps, you have to motivate yourself to keep going. Give yourself credit
7) Take professional help or mental health care professional help...

you when your mind goes towards addiction,Get your family and friends involved in your efforts to kick the habit.