Much of our actions are dictated by what we deem worthwhile and pleasurable, as well as the long-term goals that we are striving for. There’s nothing as satisfying as being able to accomplish different goals that we have in life. Normally, we usually treat ourselves right after finishing a task or winning a competition since we are certain that we deserve it. The feeling of accomplishment and reward is often related to happy hormones, such as dopamine.
When we’re happy and rewarded for the tasks that we do, we are more motivated to work and become more productive in the long run. However, the fact that our body’s mood and happiness are usually dependent on these hormones means that our mood can be influenced by activities that could help release these happy hormones. In most cases, these hormones can be released through different activities as a coping mechanism. Although many individuals can control themselves from overindulging in such activities, including drinking or taking certain substances, this situation can often lead to dependence.
Many forms of mental illnesses could significantly impact a person’s life, especially since they can consume a good amount of time, money, and resources. But the good news here is that there are various ways of addressing it, whether it’s a behavioral problem or something related to substances.
It’s important to keep in mind that the road to recovery isn’t always the smoothest, and the first step that many individuals will have to make toward recovery should be acknowledging the problem. There is no be-all-end-all solution that can cure negative behavioral traits, but there are different approaches to it. Here’s what you can do.
Important Approaches Toward Rehabilitation
But before we get into some ways of addressing these mental health issues, we have to know some of their underlying causes first. Most would say that there are a variety of underlying causes, and there’s no one cause. It can come in the form of the environment, genetics, and psychological factors. This is one reason why many individuals can take pain medication without becoming dependent on the substance, while others became “hooked” right after a few doses.
However, it’s more than just one source of the problem. Each rehabilitation treatment is tailored toward a patient’s need, and each one can be quite situational. There are many types of medications for different types of problematic traits; including:
- Nicotine patches for individuals who want to stop smoking.
- Therapy as a means of addressing cognitive and behavioral issues.
Seeking Professional Help
First and most importantly, one of the best ways of addressing these behavioral traits is through professional help. Although there are many cost-effective and natural ways of remedying dependence on certain behaviors and chemicals, professionals are also well-versed with methodical treatments.
One of the most effective and guaranteed ways of addressing problematic behavioral problems comes from behavioral therapy. If you or someone you know of is looking for professional help, then professional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) services can be specifically tailored toward a seeker’s needs. This therapy is scientifically structured toward solving problems related to cognition, feelings, and behavior and how they affect one another. Not only does this help address dependence, but it’s also known for helping with a myriad of other mental health issues, such as social anxiety and depression.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Remember: your mind will play a key role in addressing mental health issues. But it’s also important to be mindful that your body and mind should be working hand in hand if you want to have the best results. Contrary to what most people think, you don’t have to be religious to meditate. Mindful meditation is known for having a myriad of benefits, such as controlling emotions and impulses.
Most individuals with issues will usually crave certain products and substances. Through meditation, they can recite mantras that can help keep their mind off addictive tendencies.
Exercise
Just like meditation, exercise is another good way of keeping yourself busy. Compared with taking medication, regular exercise is one of the most natural ways of helping release happy hormones. One of the main benefits of exercise is that it’s also known for helping with blood flow, keeping your muscles toned, your heart in peak condition, and keeping the mind sharp. Exercise and meditation are great ways of honing self-discipline.
There are many natural remedies to dependence, whether it’s behavioral or something that the body is already accustomed to. Nevertheless, it is important to consider that these methods should not replace grounded, prescribed, and proven forms of therapy. Instead, these therapies should be considered a form of supplementing the rehabilitation and treatment of problematic mental health issues. Before you start considering these natural remedies, you might want first to inform your doctor or any medical professional you’re seeing.
