A habit is a behavior that becomes automatic and occurs without needing conscious thought. For example, brushing your teeth every morning is a habit. Habits can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the type of behavior.
When breaking a dependency, a person may need to take several steps to overcome their addiction and replace it with healthier habits. Some possible steps are:
Attend addiction treatment. This can involve therapy, medication, or support groups that can help the person cope with withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and triggers.
Change your environment. This can mean avoiding places, people, or situations that remind the person of their addiction or tempt them to use again.
Distract yourself. This can involve finding alternative activities that provide pleasure, satisfaction, or relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, or socializing.
Review your past attempts at quitting. This can help the person learn from their mistakes and successes and identify what works and what doesn’t for them.
Create a support network. This can include family, friends, counselors, or peers who can offer emotional and practical support, encouragement, and accountability.
Breaking a dependency can be challenging, but it is possible with the right help and motivation. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, you can call 800-622-4357 for confidential and free treatment referral information from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).