When You’re “Ready” To Quit?

“When you’re ready, Nicorette can help.”

I’ve always thought that line was a bit odd. The whole premise of “quitting when you’re ready” is not just a tag line for Nicorette, it’s standard operating procedure for quitting anything…apparently. When I’m “ready”…really? Ok, well then never. How’s that for ready?
I don’t know about you, but being “ready” to quit an addiction seems oxymoronic to me. You’re addicted, so there’s never a good time to quit. Since it’s so close to 2009, the annual crop of resolutions are popping up all around me and I give even the most promising ones about 2-3 weeks into the new year until they are shattered and forgotten.
This New Year, why don’t you try and take the entire idea of quitting out of your mind.  I’m serious. I think that quitting has such a negative connotation, and when it comes to addressing your pain killer addiction, the word “quitting” is not a very accurate description of what I am encouraging you to do here. I’ve said this repeatedly and will continue to say it…you need to take that first step. I know it seems like simply semantics but I think it makes a big difference in how one approaches their addiction and recovery.
So forget about the pills for a second and concentrate on a New Year’s resolution that’s going to make a difference. Develop a promise to yourself that is geared towards improving some of the things that are preventing you from being a more content and successful person. You can even start with a list:

My (Your name goes here) New Year’s “Plan”
Things in my life that need improvement:
1. I need to significantly reduce my depression
2. I need to get a better handle on my moods: my rage, my guilt, my apathy
3. I need to gain more satisfaction from spending time with the people that love me
4. I need to concentrate more on doing things that bring me joy OR reintroduce myself to things          that used to bring me joy
5. I need to take better care of my body
You can add onto this list and make it your own but you see what I am getting at. You need to create a backdrop and a meaningful context for the change that you know you need to make which is letting go of your dependence on opiates. If you simply say, “My New Year’s resolution is to quit pills” then all you are doing is resolving to punish yourself. There’s no reward, no gratification and no compelling rationale for what you are setting out to do.
So if you’re going to use this New Year as a springboard for getting control over your addiction, don’t think about simply quitting your pills, think about what you’re really trying to accomplish. 2009 is gonna be your year; you’re going to take the first step in becoming a happier person and living a more fulfilling life. And it just so happens that the most effective way to accomplish this is by not taking pain killers anymore.

To me, that just makes taking your first step feel so much more worth it!

If This Blog Was Interesting To You, You might consider These Other Posts:

“Getting Un-Stuck”

“Life Without Pain Killers - A View From The Other Side”

“Ready For Takeoff!”

“The Brain’s Reward Center”