People often develop addictions in an effort to distract themselves from the pain of daily life. If an addiction itself is a distraction, you may think how could a distraction aid in helping overcome it?
A distraction can generally be considered to be undesirable. When you think about a distraction, often with think of checking out Facebook or spending hours in from of the TV to cope with life. Healthy distractions can be different but can also be positive in the long run.
Below are some suggestions ways in which to distract you from addiction that might be helpful:
- Get away. Go outside for a walk, ride your bike, go for a run, or take the kids to the park
- Meditate. Sit still for just a couple of minutes, without any distractions, and put your attention on your breath. Return to the breath when you get distracted.
- Try reading an inspirational book. Give yourself some quiet reading time away from your distraction.
- Spend times with the people you love
- Look at taking a class or workshop in your local area that you have not tried before. It’s always good to try something new and meet new people while learning the same thing.
- Look at volunteering in your local area. By volunteering in your local area you will be learning something new as well as helping people within the community.
- Be a tourist in your own city and explore somewhere that you have either been to before or something different like a new theatre production, museum exhibition, music festival, cooking festival.
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 
Actually if alcohol is part of addictions, may I ask what is your basis for saying that distraction leads to recovery or sobriety?
Hi Sober & Grateful
Distraction is one of the most important tools you can use during alcohol withdrawal. There’s no exact way how to deal with alcohol withdrawal, but distraction is essential in all instances. Going through the process of recovering from an Alcohol addiction is an ongoing process and takes time, make sure you’re prepared with ways to take your mind off of things like taking a walk, cleaning, exercising.
Remember, at any stage if you are having any issues or need further help, please seek medical advice.
Hmmm . . . I am thinking of the soul who is desperate for help, stopping drinking or using, you wouldn’t tell them to try distracting themselves,would you, before directing them to recovery help?