What Is Addiction and How to Get Rid of It

Bismillah (In the name of God)

In the Merriam Webster dictionary, addiction is defined as “A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence:the state of being addicted”

The problem with addiction is the fact that whenever we hear that word, substance abuse is the thing that comes to mind. However, addiction covers a lot of daily activities that we don’t pay attention to but can become a burden once you try to get rid of that activity. It is amazing how one small habit can become a serious problem.  

 I used to think that people who find themselves addicted to anything were weak. As I started to investigate addiction, I came to understand that my perception might have been wrong. Since I am afraid of losing control of myself and free will, I spend a lot of time controlling myself, my emotions and making sure that I do not get addicted to anything. Little did I know that addiction can sneak up on you at any time.

Why is it difficult to get rid of addiction?

Addiction is hard to discard because it is about pleasure, desire, leisure, filling in a void or combatting boredom. Whoever finds him/herself facing addiction always has an excuse, a reason as to why he or she is exercising that behavior.  The common excuses are usually; it’s temporary, I can stop whenever I want or feel like it, I like the way it makes me feel, I’m not bothering anybody, it’s my life. But the truth is desire has taken over the person’s senses, free will or self-control. It is important to keep tabs on yourself and recognize this problem when it appears and work on getting rid of it.

How can the problem be fixed?

First, identify your problem/addiction. Learn and label all feelings or sensations that the behavior makes you feel. Acknowledge and accept the consequences of the behavior.  Work to solve the problem yourself and if you cannot then, ask for help.

Who should you ask for help?

Have you heard of therapy? Therapy is finding a mental health professional specializing in listening to people’s problems and giving them advice or guidance as they help them face the problem, discard it and find healing or peace while going through the process and afterwards.

“God intends to redeem you, but those who follow their desires want you to turn away utterly.” (Surah 4 vs. 27)

 Do you know there are a lot of people who spend years in therapy, taking a lot of medication and still struggling? Why is that? That is because before he or she started therapy that person forgot to ask help from God. In life, when you have a problem, it does not matter if it is a big or a small problem.  It’s best to go to God first with the issue and ask Him for help and guidance. Once you can sincerely do that, you will unlock countless miracles in your life.

“God intends to lighten your burden, for the human being was created weak.” (Surah 4 vs. 28)

Are you struggling with a problem or facing some type of difficulty now? Try asking God for help and see what happens. Maybe you have overcome addiction or a problem that seemed impossible for you, if you don’t mind, would you like to share the problem and explain how you were able to release yourself from its grasp?

In life, no problem Is too small to ask God’s help because, we are all working for this. “And beware of a Day when no soul will avail another soul in any way, and no ransom will be accepted from it, and no intercession will benefit it, and they will not be helped.” (Surah 2 vs. 123)