Beating substance abuse can be done Addiction is a very powerful and once it grabs hold it does not want to let go. Beating substance abuse is not easy, but with determination and a lot of help, it can be done. The basic steps below are a guide to help you.
- Decide that you really want to beat your addiction: Unless you firmly make the decision it will never release you and you will always find yourself returning
- Come clean: Unless you are completely honest with yourself and others about your addiction your chances of recovery are poor.
- Persevere: You have chosen to walk a long and winding road, many obstacles will be put in your way. Don’t expect instant results. Setbacks are inevitable, accept them as a lesson and continue to move forward
- Ask for help: Do not be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family are there to support you and reinforce your resolve. There are others out there who have walked the path before and will help you come through to the end. All you need to do is ask for the help and it will be there. If necessary ask someone to stay with you so that they can push you back onto the path when you start to stray
- Change: Embrace change as you remove the influences from your life that enabled you to use drugs. Remove people or place from your daily activities if they will only hinder your recovery. Do not associate with those that continue to use be under the influence in your presence
- Maintain your health: If you don’t eat, drink and sleep correctly your health will suffer and this will impede your ability to recover. During the hardest parts of your recovery remember to eat, set a timer if need be.
- Exercise: Exercise will help flush the toxins from your body and encourage your body to produce endorphins, which will improve your mood and aid in your recovery. Exercise also gives you a focus when the cravings hit.
- Find an interest or hobby: A new interest or hobby will give your life a new direction and possibly introduce you to new people or places. This will also give you something to fill the void created by the absence of drugs
- Seek medical advice: If for any reason you cannot handle the withdrawal yourself, or something feels wrong, seek medical advice. Go to a doctor or emergency room where they can examine you and offer sound medical advice.
- Find a recovery buddy: Find someone who you can talk to about what you are going through. Someone who will listen with an open ear and offer advice when requested. You do not need someone who will issue recriminations for every setback, they need to offer positive reinforcement and let you know that it is only temporary.
Beating substance abuse is difficult and not everyone can do it on their own. Many require more assistance and for those there are rehabilitation centers that offer a variety of services from therapists and support groups to inpatient detox centers. If you truly want to beat addiction, you cannot do it entirely on your own. You will need support and if you can’t get it from your friends and family, find it with a professional.