If you are struggling with drug abuse, your life may feel like it’s out of control. You may have tried unsuccessfully to stop on your own or are afraid to seek help because you don’t think you deserve it or that the problem is too severe. You may be making excuses for your behaviour or feel embarrassed or ashamed.
No matter how hopeless it seems, recovery is always possible. The first step is recognizing that having a drug problem is not a character flaw and that you can recover if you are willing to change.
Treatment approaches that work best share common elements: they provide medical care and address the physical aspects of drug abuse; they also treat the underlying causes of addiction—the things that make it so hard to quit using drugs and stay sober; they give people a chance to learn more about their addiction and what treatment options might be best for them, and they encourage people to participate actively in their recovery process.
Methods of treatment
Drug abuse is a common disease, and no one is immune. It can affect anyone from any walk of life – rich or poor, young or old. But despite what you may think, it isn’t your fault, and there’s nothing you could have done to prevent it. Anyone can get addicted, but recovery is possible.
Individual, group, and family counseling, relapse prevention education, and cognitive behavioral therapy are some of the therapeutic choices available in rehab centers to tackle underlying issues that may be contributing to your loved one’s addiction. In addition to these physical therapies for drug abuse rehabilitation, most treatment centres offer patients the opportunity for spiritual guidance through meditation and other means, as well as educational services focusing on relapse prevention and coping skills for life after rehab. It’s not just about sobriety – it’s about becoming a happier, healthier person in recovery from addiction.
Be sure you can achieve the goal
Start by talking with the person about the disorder. Think about change, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may help keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use.
There are a variety of ways to manage withdrawal symptoms, depending on the substance or behaviour. Some tips are more general and can be applied to any addiction, while others are more specific to certain substances or behaviours. Some ways to assist you cope with withdrawal symptoms are listed below:
Planning and motivation. A big part of recovery is having a plan for how you will deal with cravings and triggers in the future. You can use things such as cue cards and other tools to help remind yourself of your plan. Motivation can be key to sticking with your plan, so it’s important to have reasons for quitting that go beyond just wanting to stop using.
What does success look like? It’s important to know what is realistic for you during early recovery. For example, if you’re going 30 days without a drink, but then start drinking again and feel like a failure, you aren’t likely to keep trying. It’s much better to break success down into smaller and realistically attainable goals so they don’t feel overwhelming.
Three golden rules that can break an addiction
- Take paper and pencil and write in detail about your experience made up of all the pros and cons of addiction you have. Face your introduction. Consider the important things to you, such as your partner, your kids, your pets, your career, or your health. How does your drug use affect other aspects of your life?
- Asking for assistance may be beneficial since everyone requires assistance, especially if they are dealing with an addiction at home. Don’t forget about community resources- several local organizations provide practical resources for people in need.
- What could help you make the change? Look into treatment options that could assist you in overcoming drug abuse at home. Getting support from others can help you begin supporting someone who has a drug abuse problem.
Quitting drugs
Quitting drugs is challenging and can be a lonely experience. The main strategies for overcoming drug abuse at home are the same as for quitting any addiction:
Admit that you have a problem, and that is not just “social” drug use. Recognize the destructive nature of your behaviour, its inherent dangers, and your desire to stop. Knowing what drugs do to your body and mind can help you appreciate the benefits of quitting. Educate yourself about different drugs and their effects on your body and mind; learning about cocaine, for example, can help you see how that drug affects you differently than alcohol or marijuana.
Join an online support group or treatment program to connect with people experiencing a similar experience. What can also help you are drug testing kits that you can test yourself with at home
Author’s Bio:
Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, and her ultimate passion is art and architecture. She is also a bibliophile and her favourite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.
