How to Get Over A Drug Addiction

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 8 August 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Unlocking the Cure to Substance Use Disorder | Brad Finegood | TEDxUofW
Video: Unlocking the Cure to Substance Use Disorder | Brad Finegood | TEDxUofW

Content

Drug addiction can make you feel like you have no hope at all to get better. But no matter how bad things go, you can overcome your addiction with perseverance and patience. Start by identifying why you want to quit, as this will help you become more resilient along the way. Then make a specific plan and seek help from support groups or experts as you are trying to quit addiction and form a new life free from drugs.

Steps

Part 1 of 6: Waiver

  1. Set a goal to give up drugs. To overcome addiction, you need to set a goal to quit using drugs. You won't be able to stop using drugs completely in a short amount of time, but setting goals will help you plan your next step.

  2. Make a list of the harmful effects of drug addiction to you. Writing a specific list of the negative effects of addiction in your life can give you the kick-start you need to change your behavior. Instead of thinking about the usual negative effects of drug addiction ("It's ruining my life" or "I'm not doing my best") write about changes in life your ever since you fell into addiction. Reading the things you've written down on paper can be frustrating, but creating a specific list will help you overcome the problems later.

  3. Write about how your body feels. You know that you are addicted if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using drugs. Quitting symptoms are often the exact opposite of how drugs bring you when you are under its effects. If you feel energized when you "high" on drugs, you will feel tired and sullen when you quit smoking. If you feel relaxed and happy when you are drunk, you will experience extreme anxiety and agitation when you quit smoking. You may even get sick when you stop using drugs, and you will need to keep taking them in order to feel fine.
    • Take note of how you are feeling and how the addiction affects your body. Depending on the type of stimulant you take, you could cause skin damage, internal damage, oral problems, and other physical problems. Even if the symptoms you experience are less severe, such as you've lost a few pounds or your face ages faster, take notes.

  4. Evaluate whether you are indifferent to your responsibilities. An addict can neglect their responsibilities for life such as school, work, family, and other tasks such as laundry, chores, car maintenance, bar and other tasks. bill payment, etc. When someone is addicted to drugs, their world revolves around using drugs, recovering after the drug wears off, and then taking more. Addiction is not the use of drugs for entertainment or experimentation. It is a force that only interventions can help you stop it.
    • Keep a record of how often you have been to work or school recently. Consider how attentive you are to the responsibilities you have to carry out.
    • Think about whether addictions can have a financial impact. Write down how much money you spent to satisfy your addiction every day, every week, every month, and every year.
  5. Consider whether you have been seeing friends or family recently. Stay away from family and friends because you are under the influence of drugs or the process of quitting smoking prevents you from seeing anyone. This action can get in the way of your friends and family who wonder where you are and why you are acting so weird.
    • Other people may complain about how often you drink alcohol and your drug use. All of these are signs of addiction.
  6. Admit if you steal or lie to someone. Steal and lie to others, especially if they are close to you such as family and friends. Addicts will often steal money or valuables to buy drugs. Addiction not only affects the body, but also causes the addict to think so wrongly that they can steal.
    • Lying often goes hand in hand with the nature of the addiction as well as the shame the addict feels about his actions.
  7. Determine the last moment you focus on your personal interests. You may have to give up your hobby or hobby because drugs are becoming your top priority. Imagine dividing time equally for drug use and personal hobbies and interests (e.g., rock climbing, dancing, collecting stamps, taking pictures, playing musical instruments, learning a foreign language. , etc.).
    • Anyone who can focus on his or her own interests will not be held back by the habit of spending full time on addictive chemicals.
  8. Be honest about the effects drugs have on your life. Continuing to use drugs even if it creates problems at school, at work, with the legal system, family life and relationships, and health would not be wise. For many people, being put in prison will be such a terrifying experience that it forces them to reexamine their way of life. But for drug addicts or alcoholics, they will often forget these things or their memories will quickly fade once the addiction begins.
    • You could be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence of drugs) or possession of drugs.
    • Your relationships may be in trouble or they will be completely ruined. When you get addicted, your friends and family will avoid you.
  9. Write about the positive changes you get when you stop using drugs. Once you've made a note of the negative, focus on the positive once you've worked to get over your addiction. How has your life changed? You will certainly be able to narrow down or eliminate the negativity, and you will be able to make positive changes. advertisement

Part 2 of 6: Seeking Professional Help

  1. See a doctor. See a detoxification specialist. Your doctor will give you advice on how to treat the addiction you are experiencing.
    • After that, your doctor will advise you to go to the detoxification center to start the detox process under medical supervision. This is especially important if you are quitting alcohol, drugs, or sedatives. Quitting can be painful and sometimes the symptoms appear life-threatening.,
  2. Go to a rehabilitation center. Smoking cessation, meth, cocaine and crystalline cocaine, sedatives and alcohol can all be life-threatening, causing stroke, respiratory failure, stroke, and seizures. It is important that you be in rehab at a rehabilitation center to be able to cope with the effects these drugs have on your body during the detoxification process.
    • Even if the stimulants you take don't cause powerful withdrawal symptoms, there are quite a few other side effects that can make the process difficult, such as making you feel anxious. and even paranoia.
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is part of the reason you don't want to quit. The best place to quit is under the supervision of a specialist who can help you cope with the drug's effects in the process.
    • If you have been incarcerated, your probation officer may allow you to attend treatment instead of imprisonment. Take advantage of this opportunity.
  3. See a therapist. Similar to other chemotherapy-focused treatment programs, successful treatments will include individual and group counseling periods. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you define the patterns of your thinking that keep you from stopping using drugs.
    • The therapist can also do motivational interviewing to help you learn why you are still having trouble making changes.
    • To find a therapist who specializes in drug addiction, you should consult with your regular medical practitioner or at a rehabilitation center.
  4. Be open about accepting help from different aspects of your life. In order to overcome an addiction, you will need help in many different areas of your life. This is because addiction affects every aspect of your life deeply. Be ready to see a doctor for emotional, physical, emotional and spiritual help.
    • You may want to see your family therapist, life coach, career counselor, fitness coach, financial counselor, and any other professional. can guide you to turn the areas where you need help become your strength.
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Part 3 of 6: Join a Support Group

  1. Find a support group in your area. Evidence has shown that addicts with strong support networks are more successful in recovery. The 12-step rehabilitation program is the most common type of self-help aid association in the world.
    • The Alcohol Addiction Anonymous (AA) is quite a popular show. AA is also the type of program that offers 12 specific recovery steps "whose instruction is nothing more than a focus on some personality transformation". The Anonymous Drug Addicts (NA) aim to assist individuals in recovering from drug addiction treatment.
    • There are quite a few support groups that provide you with some help, such as SMART Recovery. This support group is a 4-point program that deals with the types of addictions and their attachment to the addict.
    • Don't be afraid to try the many options before you can determine the one that works best for you.
    • Visit the Anonymous Addicts website and the Anonymous Drug Addicts website to find a support group in your area.
    • Realize that addiction is an illness. Addiction is a disease that changes the structure and function of the brain. Once you know that you have an illness, you will be able to deal with your addiction more easily.
  2. Associate with your sponsor. Many support groups offer sponsors for new members. A sponsor is someone who has recovered from the addiction process, who will guide you through each step of the treatment program.
  3. Support other members of the support group you join. Joining a support group will help you realize that quite a few people are going through the same process as you. They feel just as hopeless and ashamed as you are. Giving and receiving support can be a helpful way to help you recover and become more responsible. advertisement

Part 4 of 6: Eliminating Old Habits

  1. Make a plan for the day. In order to get rid of old habits, you need to plan out each hour of the day. This will help you develop a new habit that is completely free from drugs. Develop a routine around goals that you want to accomplish, such as finishing school, building a family, or going to work. Over time, you will develop healthy habits that not only help you forget about using drugs, but also help you achieve your life goals.
  2. Track the progress of daily tasks. This will help you become aware of the exact tasks that you can complete in the day. Set up a simple daily planner. Keep track of the tasks that you need to complete each day and mark them as they are done.
    • If you have a problem, make a separate list of people who can help. Never let yourself get stuck.
    • If you don't have family or friends to help you complete your list, you can bring the list to a therapy session so that you can work with a counselor or psychologist to work out the problem. towels.
  3. Be honest with yourself. Another important part of letting go of old habits is being honest with yourself about where you go and who you meet. The urge to go back to drug-related people and places will be quite strong. Thorough and absolutely honest planning are essential qualities for you to be successful.
    • For example, don't go to places you've been to to test your coping strength. Likewise, don't think that you can support someone with whom you have used drugs. This is just a way to rationalize the situation, or a way to convince yourself to return to the old path. Don't let yourself fall victim to the rationalization.
  4. Please be patient. Know that, in addition to your body's cravings, you can feel a connection and connection with your emotions. You will likely crave things that you have done in the past. Remember that it takes time to adjust, and you can and will easily adjust it if you stick to your recovery plan.
  5. Surround yourself with people who support you. Find supporters who work to overcome your addiction. Relatives and friends who care about you will definitely want to help you with your recovery.
    • You can also choose people who have experienced similar situations as yours. They can help you stick to your goals.
    • Choose someone who doesn't drink alcohol or use drugs so that you won't fall into the temptation.
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Part 5 of 6: Possessing a Strong Body and Spirit

  1. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can be a great way to help you cope with the stress of detox.
    • It is also a good idea to join the gym or exercise with a personal trainer. It can help you take more responsibility for improving your health.

    Lauren Urban, LCSW

    Psychotherapist Lauren Urban is a psychotherapist based in Brooklyn, New York with over 13 years of experience in therapy for children, families, spouses and individuals. She received her master's degree in social work from Hunter College in 2006 and works with clients to help them change circumstances and lives.

    Lauren Urban, LCSW
    Psychotherapist

    Ask someone to come along. Lauren Urban, a psychotherapist, said: "If possible, ask someone to support you while you do healthy activities. And if they can do the activity with you, then even better. again".

  2. See a dietitian. Look for a nutrition program your community offers. Some programs are available in many counties, and in central hospitals. Improving your body health also means you should eat well and pay attention to your diet as they may have been damaged by drugs.
  3. Yoga. Yoga is a form of exercise and meditation that benefits your body and mind. Practicing yoga for 15-30 minutes and at least a few times a week can give you time to manage stress and cope with your cravings for alcohol or drugs.
  4. Meditate. Meditation can be a great way to manage stress and help you focus on breathing and on body awareness. Meditation can make you calmer when faced with your urge to use alcohol or drugs.
    • Find a comfortable and quiet place to meditate for 10-15 minutes.
    • Focus on your breathing, taking in deeply and evenly.
    • When a thought begins to flash in your mind, ignore it.Return your attention to the breath.
  5. Acupuncture. Acupuncture was a method of healing the ancient Chinese people by inserting needles at specific points on the body. This can help eliminate long-term withdrawal symptoms and discomfort.
    • Check with your health insurance provider to determine if acupuncture is part of the insurance's coverage policy.
  6. See a therapist. Keep going to the therapist when you need help. You may also want your family member to attend treatment to resolve any issues that arise. advertisement

Part 6 of 6: Handling a Drug Free Life

  1. Create a drug-free life plan. This plan will likely include ways for you to manage temptations and "hunger" as they arise, how to deal with boredom and discouragement, and how to perform tasks for you. neglected. Living without drugs is also a way of life. It attaches to every aspect of life (such as in relationships, parenthood, in work, socializing, in fulfilling obligations, in interacting with others, etc. ).
    • Think about how you will deal with each aspect of your life when they are no longer under the influence of drugs.
    • Take notes on how you will handle the situation, such as for stressful conversations, social gatherings, etc.
  2. Make a list of your goals. Write down the goal that you want to accomplish. They can be small goals, like taking a shower or getting enough food every day. They can also be bigger goals, such as finding a job or seeing a dentist.
    • Track your progress on your goals each week. Even the smallest accomplishment is worth your note. You will feel that you are gradually improving and becoming better, and this will help motivate you to keep trying.
  3. Use the "desire passing" approach to prevent recidivism. If you begin to feel that you may be taking drugs again, try flipping through your desires. This is a mindfulness technique that helps prevent recidivism. When you suppress desires, you tend to make them worse. By recognizing and accepting them, you will be able to eliminate them, or "skim" them.
    • Be aware of the urge you feel about your addiction. Be aware of the emotions and thoughts you experience.
    • Rate your impulse on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is barely feeling any obvious urge and 10 is a strong urge). Wait for 10 minutes. Keep yourself occupied with personal activities, such as washing a car, writing a list, or washing clothes. Then check your own urge to assess its impact. If you still feel the urge to do something quite strong, keep busy with other activities.
  4. Stay away from places and people involved in drugs or alcohol. Do not go to places where you can often find and buy drugs. Don't hang out with someone who used to be your drinking buddy.
    • It's important to go to a place that doesn't involve drugs or alcohol. You can develop a new hobby, such as rock climbing, knitting, hiking, or gardening.
  5. Go to work. Keep yourself busy by going to work, even if it's a part-time job. It will also help you build your value as you start earning money.
    • Deposit your income into the bank to save.
    • You can also volunteer if you don't want to work. Taking responsibility for others will also keep you on the right track.
  6. Focus on building a new life. Once the worst is over, and your body and mind are no longer affected by the detoxification process, take time to build the life you desire. Cultivate feelings for the person you love, work hard, and indulge in personal interests and spend time with meaningful things to you.
    • During this time, you should continue to meet with the support group and the therapist. Dealing with addiction will not be a temporary process, so don't rush to claim that you've recovered when things started to get better.
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Advice

  • Don't let a relapse keep you from overcoming your addiction. It is easy for anyone to stumble upon the first time they try to deal with an addiction. If you end up using the drug again after the day you gave it up, resolve the problem immediately before it gets out of control. If you end up relapsing, don't be too hard on yourself. You can still quit addiction. Try to figure out why things went wrong and start the detox once more. Even if it takes a long time to get through your addiction, it is definitely worth fighting.

Warning

  • Overcoming a strong addiction is not just a matter of willpower. Substance abuse can cause changes in your mental and physical health. Seek expert help to help you through all stages of this process.
  • If you see a doctor about drug abuse, the details of the problem can appear in some medical records. Disclosure, even though this is an illegal act, is still possible in rare cases. You may have trouble with your future job and with your insurance. Of course, continuing to use illegal drugs will make the situation worse. If you have been the victim of illegal disclosure, seek an attorney.
  • Detox can be quite dangerous, and it can even be fatal. Be sure to consult a medical professional before proceeding with this process.