Any addiction is bad. Especially when it ruins your personality, changes your brains, and lead you nowhere. Developing drug addiction is not a sign of weakness or ill luck. It is a big mistake, an obstacle to a productive and fulfilling life. The recovery process is very important and requires a serious approach. The most important thing is to realize the problem and recognize you have a drug addiction.
How to find out you have an addiction?
Many people say they are not addicted and can stop at any time. They firmly believe in the principle that addiction starts when you want to stop but cannot do that.
In fact, it is not as simple as it seems, and drug addiction has many signs and symptoms. They are the following:
- Taking drugs after you do not need any more;
- Taking more and more substance to feel the same effects;
- Feeling strange when the drug devolves like stomachache, sweating, headache, seizures or even fever;
- Continuing using the drug when you want to stop;
- Spoiling relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues;
- Constant thinking about a drug like how to get more, how you feel afterward, etc.;
- Losing interest in many things you used to deal with;
- Inadequate evaluation of risk when you are on drugs;
- Having problems with money despite regular income;
- Having sleeping disorders;
- Down appearance;
- Changes in behavior and personality;
- Using the substance alone and secretly;
- Having stashes;
- Having some legal problems and continued infringement.
If you or someone of your closed ones has some of these symptoms, it is a time to think of recovery.
Decide to make a change
First, understand the role of addiction in your life. Keep track when and how much drugs you use.
It is also very helpful to make a list of pros and cons of starting treatment. Think about your friends, family, career, health, and future.
If you need someone’s help, do not hesitate to talk to your friends and family members. Think together about making changes and recovery benefits. If you cannot share your feelings and worries with your friends or relatives, the better talk to a specialist or counselor.
Remember, recovery is not a race. Do not concentrate on fast changes or feeling guilty. Take the problem seriously and start your treatment.
What treatment options can you choose?
Fortunately for people facing drug abuse, today, there are many treatment options. They vary in treatment approaches, methods used, and duration.
Thus, the following rehab programs are available:
Residential treatment/Inpatient treatment. It involves living at the facility and getting away from any distractions while undergoing treatment.
Partial hospitalization. It is suitable for people who want to stay at home but require ongoing medical treatment. This program usually takes 7 or 8 hours a day; then the client can return home.
Outpatient treatment. This program is an intensive day treatment. It is a good option for people who cannot leave the job or home. Such treatment usually costs less than residential or partial hospitalization, and that is why many clients prefer it as an option.
Sober living communities. This program means to live in a sober community with other former addicts in a supportive environment. It is an excellent variant when you are worried about relapses.
Individualized drug counseling. It is focused on reducing or stopping drugs and developing strategies to abstain from drugs. Also, the important part of the program concerns the improvement of impaired functioning in the social and psychological area like employment, illegal activities, and family relationships.
Gender-specific treatment. Some programs offer gender-specific addiction treatment, separating men and women and focusing on gender-specific issues. People who feel uncomfortable in therapy with the opposite gender can benefit from this type of program.
What to remember
When chosen an addiction recovery program, remember some important things:
No treatment works for everyone as every person has different needs and causes of the problem.
Seek professional help. Recovery is hard, and it is essential to ask for help from professionals to get better results. Your relatives and friends can help much, but physicians and behavioral therapists will provide a safe way to maintain sobriety and transit to a healthy lifestyle.
Addiction recovery addresses more than just your drug abuse. Whereas addiction affects many spheres of a person’s life, treatment should deal with your psychological health, lifestyle, restoring relationships, and career.
Be realistic. Understand that you may face obstacles, resistance, and even relapses. The most important thing is not to lose heart and refuse from treatment.
What steps to take?
To recover, you must take many steps. The professionals at the rehab center will help you to do the walk successfully. Listen to their recommendations and do everything you are told. But there are some steps you must take yourself. Here are some of them:
Make your recovery a priority. Drug addiction recovery is the most important. Concentrate on treatment and do not think of minor challenges. You can solve other problems afterward.
Find support, have a positive influence from people, and ask them for encouragement and guidance. It is worth remembering that these people should belong to a sober community. Fruitful relationships with parents or spouse also will help.
Cope with stress. Recovery from drug abuse is very stressful because you will face many problems – both physical and psychological. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and do not let stressors to disappoint you. Moreover, do not let fear to stop your recovery.
Keep away from drug triggers. Try to escape from things that remind you of your addiction. Step away from your friends who are addicts. Avoid bars and clubs where it is easy to find drugs. And be very careful with prescribed medications. If you have some problems with the dependency on prescribed medical treatment, let your doctor know about it.
Learn to say, “No.” You may face criticism, negative reaction from your friends. Sometimes you may be severely pressed. But never allow someone else to make decisions instead of yourself. Stick to your plan and stay away!
Have a rich and fulfilling life. It is very important to fill your life with exciting things. It can be an old or new hobby, pleasant outdoor walking, or community activities.
Follow a healthy lifestyle. Physical exercising will help you boost your physical strength and reduce stress. Also, change your diet plan as eating right is an essential step to full recovery. Making some improvements in your lifestyle will help you stay mentally and physically healthy.
Never give up and do not lose hope even when the situation seems disastrous. Trust your choice and believe you can change your life.
If you have any questions about addiction treatment and recovery for an alcohol and/or substance abuse disorder, you can speak with an addiction expert confidentially 24/7 at the Beach House Rehab Center that is one of the nation’s leading rehab facilities who has helped countless people detox, rehab, and recover from addiction successfully for many years now.
