James Hopes’ blog

If someone you know has an addiction, you should be there to support them. People that have addictions are not healthy, and they are sick. Follow these tips for how to help someone overcome an addiction.

First, you should not support the negative behaviors. Don't bail the person out of jail or offer financial help to support that person's addiction. If you do, the addiction will continue and they will not change their behavior. Don't ignore the situation. Offer your help and support. If you do not help the addicted person, you are only condoning the behavior.

Next, try to avoid confrontation. If you argue with the addicted person, it can escalate into a very dangerous situation, especially if that person is on drugs or alcohol. Be friendly and supportive when you comfort that person.

In addition, you should make recovery look attractive. Tell your friend or family member how much you care about them, and offer your help. Do the research, talk to that person about the options that are available. Gather your family and friends together if necessary to discuss treatment. You can't force someone into getting treated for their addictions, but you can try to convince them.

Next, don't give up. Eventually your addicted family member or friend will decide that they want to get treated for their condition. It will take time and effort on your part, but it is worth. Addictions are poison to the body, so don't get discouraged and you will be successful.

To learn more about how to overcome alcohol, drugs or pornography addiction please visit this page for more information and start recovering now.

People can be addicted to food just the same way they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Food addiction is a serious health threat that can stem from any number of things. Symptoms may include, constantly thinking about food, bingeing and/or purging, eating in secret, eating as a way to feel better, frequently eating excess amounts of food, etc. Though food addiction is a serious problem, there are ways to work through it.
1. Identify the reason you feel driven to eat. For example, are you opening the refrigerator because you are bored, depressed, or lonely? Often times food addicts use food to soothe an emotional wound. By identifying what the original issue is, you can begin to work with it in a way that does not involve turning to food.
2. When the thought of eating enters your mind, immediately ask yourself if you are truly hungry or just following an impulse. If you are not truly hungry, tell yourself this in a kind and gentle way. Then turn your attention to something else such as, a favorite hobby or exercise.
3. Do not eat alone. Establish a regular eating schedule where you sit down at the table with friends or family to eat. Each time you do this, reward your mind by saying you are making healthy decisions to create a healthy body and mind.
Those suffering from food addiction have a serious condition that needs to be looked after right away. Rewiring the mind through mental techniques and affirmations can greatly help alter one's behavior.