Overcoming an addiction is one of the biggest challenges a person can face. While the first step is acknowledging it, it is by no means the last. In order to successfully conquer the demons of addiction, you need to have the right mindset of determination and have a strong network of support. Here are four ways to begin fighting an addiction.

Hold yourself accountable

Fighting an addiction requires more than just stopping substance use. You need to be as proactive as possible to help ensure that you don't fall back into the traps that led you to be addicted in the first place. One of the best ways to keep yourself in the right mind is to follow a regular sleeping schedule of at least eight hours a night and wake up early in the morning.

Work with professionals

Countless amounts of people before you have fought an addiction and prevailed. A huge factor in succeeding is by enlisting the help of others. You should be open and honest with family and friends, and you should also work with a professional recovery service. Whether it's out-patient treatment or an extended stay in a rehab facility, being around those with a thorough understanding of addiction treatment can make a huge impact. Some companies like The Mindful Habiteven provide meetings based around Facebook and other social media platforms making it easier than ever to work with them.

Realize you have a clean slate every day

No matter what's already happened to you, by confronting your addiction, you are already moving forward. There will be days that will be more difficult than others, and you may have times where you slip or are tempted to slip. However, each morning is an opportunity to make things right. There's no sense in being burdened by the past, so realizing this immediately is a crucial step.

Bring good habits into your life

When fighting an addiction, you shouldn't just avoid harmful substances. You should also take part in fulfilling and constructive activities. Whether it's exercising, writing or meditation, there should be as little downtime as possible when it comes to recovery. Not only will healthy activities provide you with a good distraction, they'll also have long-term benefits.

Addiction can have harrowing effects on a person's life and the lives of those around them. In order to successfully combat it, you need to take initiative and understand that the only one who can overcome your addiction is you. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your addiction is a thing of the past.