This is part one of a four-part series that address the good things about quitting an addiction, good reasons for NOT quitting an addiction, and the bad things about quitting an addiction, and, finally, a way for the addict to see themselves living a more authentic life through personal change.

The personal costs to an addict can be huge depending upon the severity, intensity, and longevity of an individuals addiction. This four-part series will incorporate the physical, social, mental, and spiritual/emotional implications in each sector.

Good things about quitting an addiction:

The Physical implications for choosing to quit an addiction can be enormous and have long-term payoffs. From a health standpoint, quitting often reduces health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, damage to the pancreas or other vital organs. The individual may live a longer and more fulfilling life; enhance their levels of energy; improve their sleep habits, eat healthier while improving their digestion, feel more attractive, and get their physical self back into shape.

Mentally, individuals quitting their addiction will increase their possibility of having better recall and overall memory, better judgment, and a greater sense of personal satisfaction. Their ability to focus their thoughts will be enhanced, creating a clearer mind to be creative in their work, and have the fortitude to get more done. The energy used in conning oneself that he/she doesnt have an addiction will be replaced with proactive rather than reactive living. There will be less worry, anxiety, and stress, allowing more time to relax doing things they havent enjoyed for some time (i.e., hobbies, time with friends, volunteer work, etc.). Instead of masking their problems with a substance, they will be better able to focus on solving problems more appropriately to meet their needs.

Social implications are huge when one decides to quit their addiction. Family life often finds a balance; marriage/relationships are better able to be healed with the chance of developing a healthier and satisfying union. There comes a point where the individual can mend broken relationships theyve created with parents and/or siblings, as well as with friends and/or co-workers. There is a greater opportunity to meet new friends; enjoy a wider range of social activities; take the opportunity of spending more time with family in a social setting; and improve work productivity. Best of all, the individual has the opportunity to rebuild self-dignity within a community that perhaps once shunned them; and they will avoid the embarrassment and guilt that comes from breaking the law connected to the substance use (i.e., vehicular manslaughter as a result of driving under the influence).

The Spiritual/Emotional implications of making the choice to quit might include a real opportunity for some real peace and happiness in their life. Substance abuse often masks real emotions and creates the cycle of use to repeat itself when the individual is unable to get in touch with their emotions in a genuine way. Quitting will allow for a greater control over their life; afford them greater self-confidence; reestablish a relationship with God (or their Higher Power), as well as with self and others. Their freedom they experience from breaking the forces that bind them to substance use and abuse will give them the energy to live their life with a greater focus and purpose.

The second part of this series will address the Good Reasons for NOT quitting an Addiction.