Most people addicted to drugs are trying to quit; however, quitting addiction takes work and effort. In the beginning, it might have seemed easy with probably one puff or a shot. In most cases, victims feel that they can never get addicted, or addiction simply can’t happen to them. Several factors such as physical health, psychological health, and mental health may make an addict quit drugs. The recovery process is delicate and challenging. However, overcoming addiction is possible.
Acknowledging Addiction
The initial step to overcoming addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem. Most addicts are unaware of their addiction problem, and it becomes hard to seek treatment. Set the goals for your recovery process because overcoming addiction is a journey. Understand that recovery takes time, and know that you can make it happen.
Make Preparations to Change
Do away with drugs at your home or any triggers that may pull you back to your addiction. You also need to tell supportive members of your family about your decision. Let people you take drugs or alcohol know that you are quitting. Do not expect everyone to take your decision positively; however, make it clear that you have to do it. Study your drug habit, for instance, the number of times you take drugs in a day. Know why you are quitting or your inspiration to quit; your drive should decrease your need for drugs.
List the dearest things in your life, achievements, and goals, and assess the damage drug abuse has caused them. Find someone on their way to recovery and ask their inspiration behind their progress. If you still have second thoughts about quitting your addictive habits, sit down and think about why you feel like not doing it.
The Quitting Process
The quitting journey differs from one person to another depending on drug type, addiction period, and mental health history. The experience is also different as some people recover faster, others attempt several times, while others experience pain, anxiety, and frustration. The important thing is that you shouldn’t give up on yourself.
Get Treatment
You may have tried quitting drugs several times in vain. Then it is time to try and seek effective treatment from a professional. There are several treatments you can explore. They include:
Detoxification
It involves the process where the body removes toxic substances from the body. Normally, the body performs its detoxification role naturally. However, with substance abuse, the leaver may need help in detoxifying high toxic levels through given diets and recommended food and drinks. You can read more here on the effectiveness of detoxification to understand how it really works.
Behavioral Counseling
It involves understanding behavioral patterns that cause addiction and their negative impact on the patient. Therapy is solving addiction by changing how addicts perceive themselves. Patients are treated based on the psychological notion that thoughts and feelings show themselves through physical behavior.
Medication
In some cases, medication is not always necessary; however, medication is needed depending on how the patient responds to quitting an addiction. It is used in managing drug withdrawal symptoms, underlying mental health issues such as anxiety disorder, or preventing relapse.
Long-Term Follow-up
Follow-ups include support groups, meetings, or checkups to prevent the patient from relapsing.
Even after quitting drugs, the need to go back to your usual drug habit may arise. Keep yourself busy by putting your hobby into your daily program, volunteering in a community program, adopting a pet, or simply setting new goals in your life. The important thing is that you shouldn’t get idle, keep busy, and have enough sleep.
