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Positive recovery post - Advice on how to stop SH-ing :)
I got told that apparently I should re-post this because it might be useful, so here is advice I gave to someone when they asked for tips on how to stop SH-ing :P
When I tried to stop, I spoke to my head of sixth form. He was wonderful, and he gave me a few tips of advice you may find helpful.
It takes roughly 40 days to break a habit. Don't aim for all 40 all at once - you'll give up within the first four days because it's hard to aim for something as far away as that. First set yourself a small target - like three days. Then once you've managed that, set a five day target, then a week, then two weeks and so on. You will probably find the first two weeks the hardest - I certainly did - but it starts to get easier after that. If you struggle and end up SH-ing don't give up, just re-start the count from day one with the same baby-step targets.
You'll find it easier if you have someone to talk to while you're doing this - and if you have someone, then tell them you're aiming for 40 days clean. It'll make it easier knowing someone else knows what you're trying to do. You could also give yourself a reward for each target you meet - like after the first three days, go shopping or to the cinema with friends or something.
When I did it, I also had a distraction which also ended up being an alternative. I went swimming every time I had an urge and swam and swam until I couldn't any more. It exhausted me to the point that I didn't want to do it any more, but it also made me feel good about myself because I'd achieved something - 173 lengths is my record :P AND it's also keeping yourself fit and healthy at the same time. If you can't swim, then try running or tennis, or dance or something similar.
Also, if you find yourself in the situation where you're looking at what you use to SH - MOVE. Get yourself OUT of that situation. Go running/swimming/dancing/whatever. Do push-ups on your bedroom floor. Take a bath. Call the friend. Whatever, just MOVE. Because the longer you stay looking at what you use, the more likely you are to give in. As my head of sixth form said - "If you place a bottle of wine in front of an alcoholic, recovered or not, eventually they'll pick it up and drink it; putting them back to square one." Don't put yourself into that situation, it'll only make things seem worse.
Obviously, I would recommend getting more professional help as well - a counsellor or GP as well, but I can understand why you may not want to go. Although they really, really can help. So if you can - go :)
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