Kick is the slang term for detoxification from a drug. In the context of addiction, “kick” refers to the act of stopping the use of a substance or overcoming the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with it. It’s a word commonly used to describe the initial phase of recovery when individuals are trying to break free from their dependency.

The term “kick” can be traced back to the mid-20th century, originating from African American street slang. Over time, it found its way into the addiction recovery community and became a widely accepted term to describe the process of detoxification and withdrawal.

Kicking the Habit

We all have our quirks and routines; it’s part of what makes us human. Some of these habits like preparing your outfit the night before work or turning off lights to save energy, serve us well. However, there are those habits that aren’t as beneficial—perhaps you find yourself biting your nails, consuming caffeine late in the day or hitting the snooze button one too many times.

Overcoming these less-than-desirable habits can often seem like a daunting task, especially when they’ve been part of our lives for an extended period. Yet with a deeper understanding of how habits are formed, the path towards breaking them can become more manageable.

The Formation of Habits

The concept of how habits come to be is fascinating with several theories attempting to unpack the process. A popular framework is the 3 Rs model:

1. Reminder: This acts as the trigger, which could be a specific action like flushing the toilet or an emotional state, such as feeling anxious.
2. Routine: Triggered by the reminder, this is the actual habit you perform—be it washing your hands post-flush or biting your nails when anxious. Repetition solidifies the routine.
3. Reward: The pleasure or relief you experience from the routine reinforces the habit, thanks to the dopamine rush in your brain making you likely to repeat the behavior.

Tips to “Kick the Habit”

Armed with an understanding of the 3 Rs, here are strategies to help you break free from those stubborn habits:

Identify Your Triggers

Recognising what initiates your habit is the first step towards overcoming it. Spend some days observing when and why you engage in the behavior.

Consider:

• The location and time of day the habit occurs
• Your emotional state during these times
• If others are involved or it follows certain events

For instance, if your goal is to avoid staying up late, you might notice you’re more likely to do so after watching TV or engaging in late-night conversations. Deciding to switch off your TV and phone by a certain time could effectively remove the triggers that lead to your routine of staying up late.

Focus on Your Motivations

Understanding why you want to change a habit is crucial. Research indicates that behaviour changes are more successful when they hold personal significance or benefit. Reflect on the reasons behind your desire to change and the positive outcomes you anticipate.

Writing these motivations down and placing them somewhere visible can serve as a constant reminder of your goals. Should you find yourself slipping back into old patterns, this visual cue can realign your focus and encourage persistence.

Kicking an addiction can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming experience, as the body and mind adjust to functioning without the substances it has become dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, insomnia, anxiety and irritability, are common during this phase. The severity and duration of these symptoms vary depending on the substance abused and the individual’s overall health.

Overcoming addiction is a challenge that many face, yet it’s important to know that the battle can be won. Contrary to the myth that addiction is a never-ending cycle, many individuals successfully overcome their dependencies. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive plan to aid in the recovery from addiction offering strategies and support to make positive life changes.

Everyone has habits, some of which serve us well, while others like excessive caffeine intake or the snooze button, may not. The key to breaking these habits lies in understanding how they form. Habits typically begin with a cue or reminder, leading to a routine behaviour and are reinforced by a reward. Recognising this cycle is the first step in tackling addiction.

To start a path to recovery, one must first commit to quitting. Setting a quit date within the next few weeks can provide a tangible goal to work towards. It’s beneficial to inform friends and family of this decision, as their support can be invaluable. Building a strong support network, including loved ones and joining support groups, offers encouragement and understanding. Additionally, consulting a therapist can provide professional guidance and help address underlying issues related to the addiction.

Identifying and planning for triggers that lead to addictive behaviors is crucial. This might involve changing routines or environments to avoid temptation. Deciding whether to quit abruptly or gradually can depend on the nature of the addiction and personal preference with some cases requiring medical advice for a safe cessation.

Filling your time with healthy, enjoyable activities can replace the void left by addiction, while steering clear of triggers and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can reinforce your new lifestyle. Managing stress through healthy outlets and learning coping strategies for cravings are essential skills for maintaining sobriety.

Acknowledging every achievement, no matter how small, celebrates the progress made. It’s important to practice self-forgiveness in case of relapse, viewing it not as a failure but as a part of the recovery process. Continuously working towards an addiction-free life, reassessing motivations for quitting and seeking professional help when needed are key steps in building a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

To support individuals during this critical phase, addiction treatment centers often provide medical supervision and holistic interventions. Medical professionals may administer medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent potential complications. Alongside medication, counselling, therapy and support groups play a vital role in helping individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that arise during the kicking process.

Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.

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