It is possible to be addicted to anything no matter whether it is a prescription drug, marijuana or your smartphone. While you may understand that addiction is a disease as opposed to a character flaw, it can still be hard to overcome your problem. What are some ways that addicts can come to terms with their addiction, and what can those who know an addict do to help?

You Need To Be Ready To Accept Help
Unfortunately, you aren't going to benefit much from rehab or other assistance unless you acknowledge that you have a problem. For many people, this may mean losing a job, losing custody of a child or a combination of negative consequences. However, you don't need to lose everything that gives your life meaning to hit rock bottom or understand that you need to make a change to get sober.

Friends or family members of those who are addicted should not try to make ultimatums or otherwise make an addict feel cornered. Doing so may only cause that person to become even more entrenched in his or her position that he or she doesn't have a problem. Instead, you should simply be there for your loved one or friend until he or she comes around.

Do You Have A Reason To Change Your Ways?
Most people choose to start on the path to sobriety because they have something to live for. In some cases, this may be the prospect of getting into college or obtaining a job and a place to stay. Those who have not had any sort of structure in their lives may not think that they are worthy of living a healthy and productive life.

Therefore, giving someone a hand up may increase the odds that an individual may find the motivation to overcome an addiction. If you are the friend or family member of someone who is addicted, offer to help that person find a job or a place to stay temporarily while that person gets help.

Addiction And Mental Illness May Go Together
If you know someone who is addicted to drugs or any other substance, it may be because he or she is hardwired to become an addict. Depression or other mental health issues may increase the odds of someone becoming dependent on alcohol, marijuana or some other item.

Armed with the latest knowledge and insights into how the makeup of the brain can lead to addiction, it may be possible to help your friend or loved one. It may also help you to learn more about whether you

A Combination Of Medication And Behavior Therapy May Be Necessary
For some, there is no one solution to getting over an addiction. While medication may help to control cravings, it may take a more robust program of behavior modification and other forms of therapy to truly help a person recover. Talking regularly to a mental health professional, who has the proper training like a bachelors in psychology online, or a sponsor may help when an individual doesn't have his or her medication or needs help with developing coping skills.

If you are an addict, it is never too late to seek treatment for your condition. If you know someone who is an addict, the best thing that you can do is steer that person toward the help that he or she needs. While it may not be easy to overcome addiction, it can be done with the right guidance and adequate resources to address the root cause of the addiction.

Author's Bio: 

Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2