Five ways to help you get over addiction, according to an expert

Overcoming an addiction is by no means easy, but there are ways in which you can help yourself.

In 2017, it was reported that 19.7 million Americans aged 12 and over battled a substance use disorder.

Addictions are sometimes broken down into three different categories: physical, behavioral and impulse control disorders.

And there are a range of difference types of addictions that fall under these umbrellas - from gambling and drugs, to sex and gaming.

But there are lesser known addictions as well. Some of these might include hyalophagia (eating glass materials), piercing addictions and an addiction to cosmetic surgery.

Whatever it is that you, or someone you know, might struggle with, there are five key steps to take according to Lauren White, an addiction counsellor.

"The first thing is actually admitting you have a problem," said Lauren.

"This is the hardest thing because people are scared to surrender to their addictions."

Noting that there can be a lot of 'shame' that comes with admitting to being an addict, Lauren told The Sun: "It's about changing the way you see it and realizing the only way you can change is by doing something about it."

Step two is identifying your triggers. Common ones include hunger, anger, loneliness and feeling tired, according to Lauren.

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When someone experiences their trigger, they might go into 'flight, fight and freeze mode to cope with it'.

But knowing if and when these feelings might come on can help someone prolong the urge to turn to their addiction and potentially find healthier habits.

The third step is being prepared for potential setbacks, because getting over an addiction can take time.

With this in mind, Lauren says to not feel bad if you have a slip up.

"There shouldn't be any shame when you have a setback and go back to your addiction," she urged.

"If you've been doing something for a certain amount of time then it's going to take a while to break that habit and addiction."

The fourth is to maintain distance from your triggers and addiction.

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"Do exactly what you were doing in your action phase and not take your foot off the pedal," said Lauren.

"Remember your recovery comes first before anything because if you do begin to go back to old habits, ways and behaviours you can end up going back to the addiction."

Basically, don't give up.

Step five is to seek help and get assistance from a counsellor or therapist.

Elsewhere, Lauren said to 'surround yourself with people that fully accept you for you' who can support you on your journey.

If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.