How to Deal with an Addiction

The most common forms of addiction are drug and alcohol addiction. There are other emerging forms of addiction that many people are facing, but the former types are more prevalent and are given more attention. Being dependent on prohibited and controlled substances can be problematic, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to solve or get out of. Dealing with addiction and eventually overcoming it needs cooperation between the dependent and their support systems. There has to be coordination between self-help and external assistance to effectively deal with addiction.

Read on as we share some useful insights on how to deal with an addiction.

Acknowledge the Problem

The first step to dealing with the problem of addiction is for the addicted individual to accept the fact that they have a problem with their substance abuse and there is a need to change for the better. It would be best that the acknowledgment comes from the addicted person’s realization, but it also helps if there is some persuasion and convincing done by concerned parties. Only then can a drug or alcohol-dependent person become committed to the treatment or rehabilitation programs that will be provided to them.

Explore Your Rehabilitation and Treatment Options

The rehabilitative step of your addiction recovery program is crucial to the overall success of getting your life back on track. Do not just settle for the first rehabilitation facility you see on the internet or the first one recommended by your family or friends. You also need to do some research on the available facilities near your area. Check the services offered such as the availability of their outpatient drug rehab services if ever you prefer to stay at home and continue with your regular activities, like going to school or work. Most rehab facilities these days are offering flexible options, and they no longer limit themselves to inpatient services.

Having a comfortable place for the treatment process helps improve the recovery rate of patients, which is why many modern rehabilitation facilities cater to requests of having their rehabilitation services done at the homes of their patients. Inpatient drug rehabilitation is also advantageous because you become a resident of the program and you receive 24/7 support and care within the facility. Also, staying in the facility lowers the chances of relapse by isolating you from an unsupportive environment and negative influences and peer pressure.

Establish Your Addiction Recovery Support Network

As we mentioned earlier, addiction recovery is a cooperative process. You can’t force yourself to do it alone nor should your family or friends do all the effort while you take a passive or indifferent stance. Once you have chosen a treatment option that you think is best for you, let your family and trusted friends know about it. This is how you establish your support network. As you let the people that are close to you know about your decision, they will support you in any way they can. More importantly, you can turn to them for support if you need someone to talk to, some words of encouragement, or a source of positive guidance. Your treatment program is a lot more manageable if you have people who support and encourage you and who will be available for you if you need them.

Work to Solve the Root of the Problem

Treating the addiction that you are suffering should take a holistic approach. Going clean and sober through detoxification and medication is just half of the process. There should also be psychological and emotional treatment in the rehabilitation program. Behavioral therapy is an effective method of identifying the root of the problem and finding effective ways in resolving the issues that led to drug use.

You can choose if an individual, group, or family therapy session is the best way to find what caused the problem, what conflicts need to be reconciled, and what relationships need to be repaired. Also, seek advice and guidance from the therapists and treatment professionals in your rehabilitation program on how to develop healthy, positive, and constructive coping skills once the treatment program is over.

Make Clean and Healthy Living a Lifetime Commitment

Dealing with addiction and recovering from it are not the beginning and the end, respectively. You need to incorporate clean and healthy living into your life and make it a part of your lifestyle. Remember to keep away from places, people, or events that can trigger drug use. Avoid friends and acquaintances who are drug users, and stay away from bars, clubs, and house parties. Be sure to declare your history of drug use when you seek medical treatment.

Do not be ashamed to inform your doctor or medical professional about your drug use history. Knowing this information will help them provide you with safe and non-addictive prescriptions or medications. Stress can be a triggering factor when it comes to drug use, so don’t leave yourself vulnerable again by finding healthy ways to cope with stress. Best of all, eat healthily and exercise regularly to keep your mind preoccupied with getting fit and healthy. There’s still so much you can do with your life after recovering from addiction, so do not waste any moment of your life.

Addiction can sometimes be tough to deal with. Finding the courage to accept the problem that you’re having and having the desire to change are the first steps to recovering from addiction. As you journey towards recovery, do not forget that long walks are more fun when you have companions – your support network of family and friends. Form, connect, and cooperate with your support network and you will receive the help you need in times of difficulties and trials. You will emerge a stronger and better person in the process and you will be committed to living a clean, sober, and fulfilled life.