The Edge of Addiction
One of the challenges that men who are on the edge of addiction face is that they may not recognise or admit that they have a problem. They may think that they are in control of their substance use, that they can stop anytime they want, or that they need it to cope with the stress and demands of their lives. They may also fear the stigma or judgment that may come from seeking help or revealing their vulnerability. However, denying or ignoring the problem can only make it worse in the long run. It can lead to serious health, social, and legal consequences, as well as damage their self-esteem and relationships.
The first step to overcome addiction is to acknowledge that there is a problem and that it is affecting their lives negatively:
Be honest with themselves and others about their substance use. They can keep a diary or use an app to track how much, how often, and why they use drugs or alcohol. They can also ask for feedback from their family, friends, or colleagues about how their substance use affects them.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction. These may include: craving or needing more of the substance to get the same effect; having withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance; spending a lot of time, money, or energy on getting, using, or recovering from the substance; neglecting other responsibilities or interests because of the substance; continuing to use the substance despite knowing the harm it causes; having difficulty cutting down or quitting the substance; or experiencing problems with physical or mental health, work, school, or relationships because of the substance.
Be willing to seek help and support. They can talk to their GP, a counsellor, a therapist, or a specialist service about their substance use and get an assessment and a treatment plan. They can also join a self-help group or an online community where they can meet other people who have similar experiences and challenges. They can also reach out to their family and friends and ask for their support and understanding.
Another challenge that men who are on the edge of addiction face is that they may not know how to cope with the underlying issues that drive their substance use. They may use drugs or alcohol to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, boredom, or low self-esteem. They may also feel pressured by social norms or expectations to conform to a certain image of masculinity, such as being strong, successful, independent, or stoic.
Therefore, the second step to overcome addiction is to address the root causes of their substance use and develop healthier coping skills. This can be done by:
Identifying and challenging their negative thoughts and beliefs. They can use cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to recognise and reframe their irrational or distorted thoughts that fuel their substance use. For example, they can replace thoughts such as “I need drugs/alcohol to relax” with "There are other ways to relax without harming myself".
Expressing and managing their emotions. They can use mindfulness techniques to become more aware of their feelings and sensations in the present moment without judging them. They can also use relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm themselves down when they feel stressed or anxious.
Seeking the right help for any mental health issues. They can consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist if they have any symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or any other mental disorder that may contribute to their substance use. They can also take medication if prescribed by their doctor.
Finding healthy alternatives to drugs or alcohol. They can engage in hobbies or activities that bring them joy and fulfilment, such as sports, music, art, gardening, cooking, reading, or learning something new. They can also volunteer for a cause they care about or help someone in need.
Building positive relationships with others. They can spend time with people who support them and share their values and goals. They can also communicate openly and honestly with their partner, family members, friends, or co-workers about their feelings and needs. They can also challenge or avoid any negative influences or peer pressure that may encourage their substance use.
The third and final step to overcome addiction is to maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. This can be done by:
Setting realistic and specific goals. They can make a plan to reduce or stop their substance use gradually and safely, with the help of their doctor or therapist. They can also set short-term and long-term goals for their personal and professional development, such as improving their health, education, career, or finances.
Monitoring their progress and rewarding themselves. They can keep track of their achievements and challenges and celebrate their successes. They can also reward themselves with something healthy and enjoyable, such as a treat, a gift, or a trip.
Seeking ongoing support and accountability. They can continue to attend therapy sessions, self-help groups, or online forums to get feedback, advice, and encouragement from others who understand their situation. They can also ask someone they trust, such as a friend, family member, or mentor, to be their accountability partner and check on them regularly.
Avoiding triggers and coping with cravings. They can identify and avoid any people, places, or situations that may tempt them to use drugs or alcohol again. They can also use distraction techniques, such as calling a friend, playing a game, or doing a puzzle, to divert their attention from the urge to use. They can also use coping statements, such as “This too shall pass” or “I can do this”, to remind themselves of their reasons and motivation to stay sober.
I hope this helps you to focus if you are on the edge of addiction. I hope you find some practical help and encouragement to take stock of where you are, to realise what is actually important and to help re-navigate your trajectory.
Remember that addiction is not a sign of weakness or failure; it is a common and treatable condition that can be overcome with the right help and support.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tzu.
Comments