Kicking bad habits such as smoking takes more than mere knowledge of the detrimental effects. Many people are well aware of the negative effects of their bad habits but they still persist. They may want to quit but they may feel enslaved of the habits that they cannot resist. There is a sense of helplessness for those who are addicted to certain types of bad habits.
On the other hand, some people who have bad habits are either unaware of their bad habits or are in denial of these habits. Some even try to rationalize their habits by thinking that they need these habits or these habits are not as harmful as they may seem. Case in point is a wealthy compulsive gambler who may try to justify his or her addiction as a mere pastime that he or she can afford.
Quitting bad and addicting habits may require professional psychological and medical intervention. This is particularly true for alcoholism and drug addiction. Addiction creates artificial dependency that is more than mere psychological dependency. Addiction in real sense is also physiological and neurological in nature. The chemical balance and the wiring of the brain are somewhat disrupted.
Acknowledge the problem
A disease cannot be cured or treated without first diagnosing what it is. The same is true for bad habits that sometimes may become pathological or destructive.
The first and most crucial step in quitting any bad habit is to be aware that there is really a problem. Bad habits such as addiction to drugs or alcohol inevitably have social, psychological, health consequences. Recognizing the destructive consequences of bad habits will motivate a person to quit these habits. This is also applicable to minor or seemingly insignificant habits.
Oftentimes, serious bad habits start as trivial behavior that is often repeated. For example, alcohol addiction may start from regular weekly drinking sessions with friends. Being aware of the problem or potential problem will empower an individual to counteract it.
Find a support group
Not all bad and addicting habits will require serious rehabilitation or medical intervention. However, quitting most of them will require social and psychological support. In this manner, some level of discipline can also be enforced, preventing relapse.
A support group does not necessarily have to be a formal or organized group such as the Alcoholics Anonymous. Friends, love ones and even co-workers can serve as support group. Online support groups may also help as long as there is the personal commitment and sincerity on the individual who wants to quit bad habits.
Emphasize the positive aspects
Quitting any bad habit must have some incentive to quit. Emphasizing on the positive consequences of quitting will help individuals to summon the will. For example, a family man who is addicted to gambling may want to quit for the sake of his wife and children.
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