Addictions can be brutal. We all know of people who have completely thrown their lives overboard because of one addiction or two.
I used to struggle with tobacco. I smoked and chewed tobacco from 17 until 23. From about 20, I wanted to stop, but I couldn't seem to shake the habit. I was happy being the rebellious teenager, but then I moved out and then I wasn't "getting away" with anything anymore. Still, I enjoyed it, but it was doing a number on my teeth. When I decided I wanted to go to college and better my life, I decided I wanted to quit. I made up my mind that when I moved back to Oregon from Alaska, I wouldn't smoke another cigarette.
That lasted about a month. I moved back, but ran into my old friends. A night of drinking, and I had to light up again. After all, it was a party, this hot girl smoked, and it was a great way to socialize with her, sitting on the back porch. I told myself, only drinking parties. But then it was a weekend, and then soon enough, it was to and from work. I fell off the wagon.
I repeated this process a few times in the coming years, on again and off again. I became very good at quitting, I had a lot of practice at it. Finally, When I was 23, I joined the LDS church, and this time I was determined to change my life for the better. Even then, I had to confess to my Bishop a few times. Eventually, I was able to quit for good. (I think).
Still, even after years, I sometimes think to myself that I would like to light up from time to time. I had cravings even while I was on my mission. Perhaps that desire will never go away.
Kicking the Habit
Kicking a bad habit is tough. Whether alcohol, drugs, tobacco, loose women, overeating, video games, porn, or whatever, you locked yourself into a behavior that you may find pleasurable, but you know it does you no good. You know in the end, it vastly decreases your happiness in life.1) Admit you have a problem. First thing you have to do is admit it. Not only to yourself, but to others around you. Covering up your issue is only procrastinating the issue. You may need to have some difficult conversations with those you love, and/or people in authority who will help. If you slip up, tell them so. Doing this will help you be accountable.
2) Trust in God. Say your prayers, and tell your Father in Heaven how you are doing. You should pick up the Bible and go to Church. Doing so will keep your mind focused on the good and serve as a constant reminder of doing better.
3) Examine your moral code. Now smoking isn't really hurting anyone but yourself, right? Well, you are still hurting someone. You may be spending money that you don't really have, you may be setting a bad example for those around you. Recognize the path you are on, and where you want to be.
4) Make the life changing decision. So you know where you are, and where you want to be, make it happen. You may need to change other supportive habits and friends that enable you to engage in the bad behavior. You may even move, or decide to quit when a move is coming up. Don't make it lightly and then fall back. Once you made the decision, stick with it.
5) Repent whenever you mess up. You may need to confess a few times to others that you fell back into your old ways. Do it, and move forward. Hardly anyone is able to quit cold turkey the first time. Keep going.
6) Reward yourself when you have success and pass certain milestones. You are improving your life, remind yourself about it.
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