Initially, taking a look at your drug use can be challenging, but it can have a great impact on your overall well-being. Any drug, including cannabis, cocaine, and prescription medications, has the potential to become problematic. These problems don’t require daily drug use. Its dependency can be physical, psychological, or both.
Luckily, addiction can be healed through proper support, which helps relieve withdrawal symptoms, navigate triggers, and facilitate positive changes.
Research shows that adopting some good habits can increase one’s chances of success in achieving one’s recovery goals.
Reflect On Your Addiction
Take some time to think about some things, such as:
- What is important to you?
- How has drug addiction negatively affected you?
- How will your life improve after quitting drugs?
Maintaining a regular journal is the simplest approach to reflect correctly. You can help yourself in initiating a strategy to quit addiction by using a notebook to help you recognize patterns, triggers, objectives, and motivators.
Set a quit date
Setting a quit date, such as an anniversary, birthday, or special occasion, may be beneficial.
Admit There Is A Problem
Admitting you have an addiction is the hardest step toward recovery. Substance use disorders cause the brain to seek excuses and justifications to continue using substances.
So, you can get the courage to face your addiction and its underlying causes by admitting a problem. A strong support system is important for effective treatment.
Consider seeking help from a therapist, doctor, or Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation centres if friends or family aren’t available.
Change your environment
Remove all things from your home and workplace that remind you of your addiction. For example, keep your distance from those who may push you to engage with the substance (drugs, Alcohol, or behaviour) that is the source of your addiction.
Similarly, get rid of any alcohol and wine glasses, corkscrews, and bottle openers if you are attempting to stop drinking.
In addition, if you’re trying to stop gambling, remove any playing cards, scratch tickets, or poker chips.
Furthermore, keep reminders of the substance or activity linked to addiction out of your home and don’t allow others to use it.
Distract yourself
Create alternative activities like walking or talking to a friend or family member to counteract the urge to use.
Be ready to handle things that trigger your cravings, such as being in an environment where others are using Alcohol.
Cope with drug cravings.
Craving is a difficult emotion to control. However, it can be managed by engaging in distracting activities, talking to loved ones about the craving, challenging thoughts, and using urge surfing.
Is it Possible to Stop an Addiction?
Yes, Addiction and substance use disorders are treatable. However, they have a relapse rate similar to other chronic diseases.
Effective treatment plans should be individualized and constantly adjusted to individual needs, considering biological, psychological, and social factors. A continuum of care may include detox, additional rehabilitation, and aftercare to promote lifelong sobriety.
Moreover, The NIDA’s pillars of addiction treatment include early treatment, matching treatment settings, and using medication and behavioural therapies. These are addressing co-occurring mental disorders and continuous monitoring to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.