If you’re someone who is addicted to drug and substance use, you’ll find that overcoming this addiction is often much harder than you had anticipated. But you’re not the only one struggling with this problem.
In fact, around 13.5 % of Americans aged 12 years and above have reported to overuse drugs. Understanding and accepting that you must overcome this addiction is often the first and the most important step. So here are some steps to help you overcome your drug addiction.
1. Find new hobbies
Often, finding new hobbies can be an outlet to vent your anger, depression, or frustration. However, it’s always best to keep yourself busy by doing something productive as it will prevent you from relapsing.
Try to figure out what you like to do; even if you’re not particularly great at a specific hobby, it’s absolutely fine. All you have to do is immerse yourself in something good. Go out and buy some books. Read informative materials or sing a song.
Paint some pictures, or do anything that your heart desires. This will not only help you to stay away from drugs but will also help you to find a new purpose in life by replacing old and unhealthy habits.
2. Acknowledge your addiction
Most addicts are often unable to accept that they are addicted. But this is the most important step towards enjoying a new life. Acknowledging that you have a substance addiction isn’t something to be ashamed of; there are millions of others who are walking along with you on this journey.
But what you have to do is decide to change for the better. This process takes time, often months or years, but once you resolve to turn over a new leaf, you’ll find that getting over this addiction will get easier.
To make things smoother, try not to set too ambitious goals; keep things real and simple. Take one step at a time.
3. Visit a rehab
Nobody likes staying in rehab, and for obvious reasons. But a rehabilitation center can often prove to work wonders. Despite the misconception that rehabs are dark and gloomy places with horrible people all around, these institutions have helped many people to recover from their addiction.
Nowadays, Northern California rehab centers also have support groups and other interactive sessions which encourage drug addicts to communicate with each other. They also offer rewards and incentives for staying “clean” for particular periods, say 6 months.
This means that you get a prize when you successfully stay away from drugs for 6 months.
4. Seek support from others
Your friends, family members, and loved ones are always there to help you out, no matter how alienated you might feel. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand how and why you started taking drugs and will encourage you to stop.
If you keep hanging out with people who indulge in substance abuse, your chances of recovering will be slim. Social relationships can be very hard for people struggling with drug abuse, but it’s never too late to reach out for help.
Staying lonely while staying away from drugs can cause you to relapse, which is why it’s always best to have a shoulder to cry on when things get tough.
5. Reach out to your doctor
If you’re afraid of visiting a rehab center or contacting your social circle, you can always visit your healthcare provider. They are often experts in handling such delicate situations and will give you insights on how to get better. The best part is that your information will be kept completely private, and your doctor will walk you through the various stages of quitting.
Whenever you feel the urge to indulge in drugs, your doctor can give you medications to control it. Many doctors advise their patients to seek medical advice during the entire detox process. If you also suffer from an underlying mental health issue, it can worsen the detox phase, so go to a doctor immediately.
Over to you…
Even though drug addiction can be scary and lonely, getting over it isn’t impossible. You need to have willpower and the dedication to work towards getting better. Never feel embarrassed to talk to a professional or your loved ones for support. By talking things out and telling them about your difficulties, the process of overcoming your drug addiction will get much easier.
