Each of us faces internal barriers—these could be bad habits, addictions, limiting beliefs, or even ingrained behavior patterns. Overcoming these obstacles is like going through different steps in a journey. Understanding yourself and how your mind works is key to this process.
This framework applies universally to any belief or pattern rooted in your mind. It helps you understand what stage you are in right now and how to stop an addiction, break bad habits and dependencies, overcome limiting beliefs, address psychological trauma, transform a lifestyle choice, or even shift your worldview. Understanding where you are will help you understand where to move forward and what lies ahead. It is important to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it gets. Widely used in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and various psychological practices, let’s explore each of the five levels in detail.
Level 0: Denial — “I’ve Got It Under Control”
At this stage, the individual isn’t even asking how to stop an addiction because they don’t realize there’s a problem. They genuinely believe their excuses and brush off any warning signs. It’s like living in a house with a broken window and claiming, “It’s fine, fresh air is good for me.”
- How it manifests:
- A smoker might say, “Smoking calms me down, and my grandfather smoked until 90.”
- A procrastinator justifies, “I work best under pressure.”
- Someone in a toxic relationship insists, “They love me; we just have occasional issues.”
- What happens internally:
The problem feels justified or invisible. Even when others point it out, the person rationalizes it away. For instance, if a friend says, “You procrastinate too much,” the response might be, “They’re just jealous; I’ve got this under control.”
Level 1: Anger — “Why Are You Targeting Me?”
Here, doubts begin to creep in: “What if something is wrong?” Deep down, the person senses that change is necessary, but the fear of effort triggers anger—toward themselves, others, or the situation.
- How it manifests:
- Someone overeating might snap when others talk about healthy eating: “Enough of this diet propaganda!”
- A smoker lashes out: “Stop lecturing me; it’s my choice!”
- In relationships, the person may defend their partner, saying, “You don’t understand how good we are together.”
- What happens internally:
There’s inner tension. Deep down, the person knows the problem is real, but admitting it feels overwhelming. Anger acts as a defense mechanism to avoid confronting the truth.
Level 2: Bargaining — “Maybe It’s Not That Bad?”
At this point, the individual starts asking people around how to stop an addiction, or bad habits, seeking advice and exploring solutions. However, their inner voice still clings to the hope of finding an easy way out—a quick fix that requires minimal effort.
- How it manifests:
- A smoker may ask, “What’s the best way to quit smoking?” but add, “Maybe smoking isn’t that harmful?”
- Someone in financial trouble might research budgeting but secretly hope for a get-rich-quick solution.
- What happens internally:
They’re open to information and dialogue but their inner goal is to primarily look for ways to avoid real effort or convince themselves the problem isn’t serious.
Level 3: Depression — “I Can’t Do This”
Here, reality hits hard. The individual recognizes there’s no turning back but feels overwhelmed while trying to stop the addiction. They may experience failure and frustration as their initial attempts don’t yield success. This is often the most emotionally taxing stage but also the gateway to real change.
- How it manifests:
- A dieter binge-eats after a slip-up and thinks, “I’ll never succeed.”
- A smoker who relapses believes, “I’m weak; I’ll never change.”
- Someone in a toxic relationship feels trapped and hopeless.
- What happens internally:
They realize the problem requires genuine effort, but every setback brings disappointment. It feels like swimming against the tide—progress is hard, and failure seems constant.
Level 4: Pride — “I Did It, Why Can’t Others?”
By this stage, the person has gained control but is still vulnerable to relapses. They see progress and feel pride in their achievements. However, they may also become judgmental toward others who struggle with the same issues.
- How it manifests:
- Someone who overcame overeating avoids junk food but may criticize others for their choices.
- A person with limiting beliefs might completely overcome them but still judge others for holding onto theirs.
- They might think, “If I could do it, why can’t they?”
- What happens internally:
Fear of backsliding fuels their judgment. While they’ve made progress, they still rely on strict control and feel uneasy about situations or people that could trigger old habits.
Level 5: Liberation — “It No Longer Defines Me”
This is true freedom. The issue no longer occupies the person’s thoughts or life. Instead of judging others, they offer understanding and support. There’s no struggle, fear, or guilt—only peace and wisdom.
- How it manifests:
- A former smoker can sit among smokers without craving a cigarette.
- Someone who overcame emotional dependency shows compassion to others without trying to fix them.
How to Stop an Addiction, Break Bad Habits, and Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Key Takeaways
Every stage is a necessary step in the journey of how to stop an addiction or how to break bad habits. It’s unrealistic to expect instant change. Struggling doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. Often, people don’t overcome their limiting beliefs or addictions because they lack examples, support, or belief in themselves.
This process is not easy, but each step brings you closer to true freedom. Allow yourself to move at your own pace. The first step is always awareness—it’s possible to stop an addiction by first recognizing that it exists.
Above all, remember: the journey to freedom begins with understanding and self-compassion.
