Most people have some sort of compulsive behavior that they’d really like to change. Most compulsive behaviors are used as coping mechanisms. Someone finds something that makes them feel good and continue to do it over and over again. While many recognize they may have a compulsive behavior, most aren’t ready to call it an addiction. This is because when most think of addiction, they think of drug users or the gambler who blows his or her paycheck every week on their habit. But in the end, whether it’s an addiction like these or a milder addiction, the fact is that most addictions will make someone feel good about themselves temporarily, but these behaviors generally have harmful long term consequences.

So, how do you know if you are addicted to something? Simply ask yourself this question – and provide an honest answer. “Has this behavior caused me enough trouble for me to consider stopping or cutting back?” If your answer is yes, then try these 5 tips to help you cut back to eliminate your addiction:

1. List The Pros And Cons

Write down all of the tings you like about the addictive substance or activity. If you drink, maybe one of the things you like is that it helps you unwind or relax. Next, write down the benefits you’d see if you quit the addictive behavior. For example, if you didn’t drink, perhaps you’d be more productive.

After you complete the lists, compare them. Do a cost / benefit analysis. Do the costs of your behavior outweigh the benefits? If so, you’ve just taken the first step toward acknowledging and making the necessary changes in your life.

2. Cut Back Or Stop Completely?

For some, they find it easier to wean themselves off of an addiction. For example, they may start out by smoking 10 less cigarettes each day, or maybe gambling only once a week instead of daily. On the other hand, you may find it easier to quit cold turkey.

Both methods have proven to be effective. With weaning, most people are less afraid, so they tend to be more motivated. Quitting cold turkey is usually tougher at the start, but the process is faster. A higher entry price so to speak, but easier to maintain because there is a much shorter transition period.

3. Keep Away From Cravings

Without question, one of the toughest things when it comes to eliminating an addictive behavior is the withdrawal period. Cravings can become intense! Calling a friend, taking a walk, working on a project, or anything else that will put some distance between you and your cravings is critical. Do whatever you need to do in order to take your mind off the cravings.

4. Keep Busy

Many folks who decide they want to make the commitment to quit and addiction find themselves sitting at home most of the time. Big trouble. If this happens, you are much more likely to fall back into the addictive behavior. You’ve got to keep busy and keep your body active. Hobbies, exercise, family activities or anything else that you enjoy will help keep you from focusing on your addictive behavior and will help you immensely.

5. Keep Your Mind Busy

Distract your mind from your addiction. The busier your mind, the less you’ll focus on cravings. Think about something at high speed – like counting ceiling tiles as fast as you can. Or try reading book titles backwards. Or, try repetitious math problems in your head such as subtracting 8 from 1,000 and then 8 from 992 and so on. These type of exercises will take up your entire mind which will help you get past any cravings you may have.

Addictions can be very difficult to break at times. Hopefully, if you’ve found yourself in an addictive behavior, the above 5 tips will help you slow it down or eliminate it completely.

Scott has been writing articles on health issues online since his dad was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007. In addition to his writing, Scott also operates a number of informative web sites. You can check out his latest website here: Used Shipping Containers featuring Container Homes