There are basically 2 ways you can look at trying to beat alcoholism or drug addiction. The first one is to go it alone and try to do it yourself. Or, you can try and get professional help and look into the various forms of treatment available.

Now going it alone is not something I suggest you consider doing if at all possible. There is just too much at stake. Your life - or the life of a loved one.

I think there are two primary reasons though that people look at try to overcome an addiction by themselves. The first one is the shame of effectively 'coming out' or 'going public.' I think there is a stigma attached to admitting an addiction so many people try all they can to cover it up and would rather die than admit to having a problem.

Ignore that and don't let that affect you - because there is absolutely no shame to admitting to an addiction. The majority of the population today struggle with an addiction in one form or another - whether it be alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling or whatever. But most significantly - by admitting to an addiction - you're ready to get help - which is the most important step in coming clean or sober.

The other and 2nd major reason many addicts don't get professional treatment is the thought that because of the costs involved - that getting treatment is simply not realistic. Yes - some forms of treatment are expensive, but you do also get many other kinds that are accessible and affordable to almost everyone.

If you had cancer, would you try and beat that by yourself? And there will be some of you, I know, who have read stories of people who have done exactly that, but why make it harder for yourself if there are people out there ready and willing to help you?

So I would always recommend that you try and get yourself into an addiction treatment center. You may have to do some research and make some enquiries as to one's that you can afford that are in your area - but I urge you to go for it. It was the best thing I ever did in fighting my own addictions.

Going to treatment helps you realise that you're not alone. There are other people going through exactly the same things you are. And so you suddenly don't feel so lonely and isolated anymore. Yes - treatment is only the beginning of the road - but it gives you the best possible start towards building a new life for yourself.