Developing an addiction, whether alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use disorder (SUD) or behavioral addiction, is not a sign of weakness.br br It is important to understand that abusing drugs changes how the brain works, resulting in powerful cravings or compulsions to continue using the drugs.br br This is one of the reasons why overcoming an addiction is very challenging. The toughest step in overcoming addiction is recognizing you have a problem and you need help.br br Most people feel conflicted and cannot take the first step to recovery. However, if you realize you have an addiction problem and are willing to work on it, you are halfway there.br br br Overcoming addiction is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and time.br br Firstly, you must be realistic in your goals to avoid complicating everything. To start your sobriety journey, you must change a few things:br br • The people you allow in your lifebr • How you deal with stressbr • How you think about yourself and other peoplebr • What you do in your free timebr • The type of activities you engage inbr • The food you eatbr br It might seem straightforward, but it is harder and more challenging. Luckily, if you are determined to overcome your addiction, you can get it done.br br It is crucial to understand that there are different types of addictions, and it might take longer for you to overcome certain addictions, depending on their severity. Continue reading to learn how you can overcome your addiction.