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The Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary defines an addict as “a person who is a slave to a habit”. This definition could apply to many things besides drugs and alcohol, which are the common items that we usually refer to when talking about addictions.
In order for someone who is addicted to reach a state of remission they must go through certain steps to overcome this addiction:
*Realize and acknowledge they are an addict:
Until the addict realizes that they are an addict no one will be able to help them. They must take the first step, which is acknowledging that they have a problem.
*Remove themselves from the situation:
This is an absolute necessity. If the addict cannot remove themselves from the source of temptation they will never give themselves a chance to overcome the need for it.
*Seek help from a qualified source:
Rarely is anyone able to overcome an addiction without help. Seek help from a professional; which could be through a therapist, hospital or even a church.
*Find a support system:
A support system would be a group of people that has experienced the addiction and has overcome it or is working to overcome it. A group such as Alcohol Anonymous would be a good support group.
*Surround themselves with encouragers:
Have encouragers around to help you in those difficult times. These could be friends or loved ones who are pushing for success.
*Know their boundaries:
Once they are on the road to recovery an addict needs to know what their boundaries are. They should not put themselves into a comproising situation, this is just setting them up for failure.
