Addiction causes several problems. It deteriorates your health, causes changes in your behavior, and at times damages your relationship with other people. The substances produce hormones in the body that make you fall into a vicious cycle of never-ending cravings. You crave the substance so much that even if you consider quitting, it seems next to impossible. Getting addicted to a specific drug or alcohol may be easy but overcoming that addiction requires strength and determination. However, nothing is ever impossible. As challenging as recovery may seem, it is always possible to get help and quit your toxic habit. If you had tried recovery before and failed, not to worry. With the right treatments and a positive attitude, it is possible.
At times, some people do not think they have a problem. However, without recognizing it, you will never be willing to change it. You can feel confused and uncertain as to where to start from or if you will be able to quit. Many people, such as veterans, become addicted and do not know how to begin their recovery. These people can search for a substance abuse guide for veterans to get a better understanding. Below, we talk about five steps you should take to get help for your addiction.
1. Identify the Difference Between Addiction and Substance Abuse
Addiction can be of numerous types. The level of its intensity varies from person to person, depending on the kind of drug. It is essential to identify if you have an addiction or a substance abuse problem. It will help in deciding what treatment will be most effective. Both have a fine line separating them. Addiction is the development of the brain that compels the victim to consume hard drugs regularly without having any self-control. Substance abuse is using a legal or illegal substance in excess amounts in harmful ways, which may lead to addiction over some time. However, you should identify substance abuse early on and treat it. It will help to prevent the victim from developing an addiction.
2. Find Treatment Options
Once you have determined if you have an addiction or substance abuse, you should consider treatment possibilities. There are a variety of options you can choose from based on your needs. You should choose the one that works best for you based on the substance, mental health, or what you can afford. Common treatments with a high success rate include detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Detoxification helps to remove addictive substances from your body in a safe, medically assisted manner. It helps with withdrawal symptoms patients face, but you should use it alongside other treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you to understand your harmful behavioral patterns. It also helps in identifying triggers and develops coping skills. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy helps you understand your negative thoughts and gives alternative ways to control such feelings. It builds logical thinking and tells you that you control your behaviors, not external situations.
3. Involve Family and Friends for Support
Involving family members and friends in your road to recovery is essential. You must tell your loved ones and friends that you are quitting your addictive habits and are undergoing a treatment process. Your true friends will always have your back, so do not hesitate to be honest with them. It will help you in getting massive support from them. You will need to ask your parents, siblings, or people closest to you to be available in case of emergencies due to any problems that may arise. You should update your family on how many times you successfully controlled your cravings throughout the day to feel a sense of encouragement. Your support system will motivate you to continue treatment and practice self-control. Involving them will also build accountability, which is the most defining factor in the recovery process.
4. Avoid Addictive Triggers
Lifestyle changes are mandatory in the process of recovering from addiction. You must avoid addictive triggers and should give time to yourself and find hobbies that keep you distracted. Anything that makes you happy and is good for your mental and physical health should be a part of your daily routine. Also, try to avoid events where drugs are not present, such as at clubs and parties. Removing any reminders of your addiction is very important as it makes you feel control over your life. The temptation of having drugs or alcohol for an addict is strong, and it only dies gradually. Thus, you need to plan what you would do if you found yourself surrounded by them at any point. You should leave the place in these circumstances and call your family, who can help you.
5. Reassurance
The biggest strength of an individual is his ability to identify his weaknesses and cope with them. You must acknowledge that having an addiction doesn’t make you weak or define you as a person. The treatment process has its complications and can cause you to relapse. It is okay to resort back to taking drugs for a brief period. However, it is vital to involve the closest person to you at this stage and let them know about the situation. But more importantly, you must remind yourself that you’re fighting a serious problem and making gradual but definite progress. There is nothing to be ashamed of if there is a minute back lapse. You must be strong mentally to make all your hard work put into recovery count. You should set up realistic targets to make yourself experience a sense of accomplishment and help you move forward. It is necessary to know that nothing can stop you from achieving your goal of sobriety, and constantly reassuring yourself is key to it.
Conclusion
The most vital step to fight addiction is accepting that you have a problem. It will help you to decide that you want to make a change. You must understand that having an addiction to drugs is not a sign of weakness and neither does it damage your character. You need to realize that the process of quitting will never be straightforward. Recovery is not quick or easy. It is an extensive process, but it eventually helps you in leading a drug-free, healthy life. You can also join support groups or keep going to therapy sessions to maintain that lifestyle. There will be severe withdrawal symptoms at times. However, with the appropriate measures, treatment, and support, you can be sober again.
