How to Overcome Substance Abuse and Addiction

Although substance abuse has harmful consequences, many people are addicted to different substances ranging from prescription drugs to cocaine and alcohol. When you suffer from substance abuse, you may feel helpless and overwhelmed and think that there is no way out. Overcoming substance abuse and addiction is tasking but attainable. You can overcome drug abuse with commitment, social support, and treatment.

1. Decide to make a Change

The first step to overcoming substance abuse and addiction is recognizing you have a problem and deciding it’s time to make a change. Substance abuse is a disorder that has adverse physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Particular groups, like veterans, often face unique challenges in their journey to sobriety, and specialized programs like Veteran addiction recovery are designed to address these specific needs. It causes addiction and you become dependent on the substance. It may be hard to acknowledge that you have a problem that needs change but in the end, it’s worthwhile. A drug and alcohol intervention can be used to encourage an addict to admit his/her problem and seek treatment. Keep in mind that overcoming substance abuse is not a single event but takes time and energy.

2. Explore Treatment Options

There are numerous treatment options depending on the specific substance, abuse duration, physical and mental health history, and personal preferences. All treatment options have several elements in common: detoxification, behavioral counseling, medication, and long-term follow-up. The common types of drug treatment programs are residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient treatment. Consider the location, price, duration, and style of treatment at different facilities before you settle for one.

3. Find the Best Addiction Treatment

One treatment option does not work for everyone because people have distinct needs. An addiction treatment should be customized to meet your unique needs and situation. Your ideal treatment option should not be restricted to your substance abuse but also address issues that drove you to it. For example, if your drug dependency emanated from stress, you have to learn how to manage stress effectively. Apart from medically supervised treatment, you can consider other people who offer addiction treatment services such as social workers, clergy people, and counselors.

4. Find Support

When overcoming substance abuse, it is fundamental to have a solid support system and positive influencers. Reach out for support in your addiction recovery journey. You can turn to family, friends, and support groups to give you a listening ear, encouragement, and support. Support groups help you talk to persons undergoing experiences similar to yours and surround yourself with clean and sober people.

5. Create a meaningful drug-free life

After you overcome substance use and addiction, it is time to create a meaningful drug-free life to prevent relapse and support drug treatment. Get involved in things that you enjoy and add meaning to your life. You can try a new hobby, adopt a pet, engage in travel and arts, and volunteer in community activities. Remarkably, look after your health so that it is easier to stay sober.

Substance abuse and addiction is a disease and not a moral failing or lack of willpower. It affects your entire life ranging from your career, health, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Overcoming substance abuse and addiction is not an easy process and requires commitment, support, and treatment. However, recovery is never out of reach and you can use this guideline to help you break the cycle of addiction.