Often in the midst of a drug addiction, recovery seems like such an overwhelming goal, but recovery is always possible no matter your situation. Having support and getting the help you need are not as far out of reach as you might think. Do not give up on yourself, even if your attempts to quit in the past have been unsuccessful. The road to recovery is never straight. Know there will be bumps in the road, but this is part of the normal process of healing. However, you must be willing to take the first step in the recovery process and decide to make a change. When you decide you want to make a change, you have already taken one giant step forward in seeking the help you need towards your recovery.
Making adjustments in life are never easy, especially when deciding to give up something that has been a source of relief and sometimes even an entrenched habit. However, there might be many things in your life that will need modification in order for you to reach sobriety. It may be overwhelming for you to think about, but talk about it with a friend, who can encourage you and support you to seek treatment. Remember to also think about the good things that will come after you seek treatment. Try not to get caught up in past attempts to quit. Develop some specific goals you would like to reach in a specified time frame in order to quit. Remove things from your home, office, car and other places that might remind you of when you use. Most importantly, make sure you seek support from family and friends, who can help encourage you and hold you accountable while you are trying to rid yourself of drugs.
It cannot be stressed enough to pursue support during this time. You cannot overcome this addiction by yourself; you need others walking alongside you to aid you in this time. Lean on your family and friends during the time of recovery. Make some new friends that do not revolve around your drug usage. Try something new or volunteer somewhere in order to make new friends. Join a recovery group to help encourage you through this process as well. You will be able to connect to people in your recovery group who will understand what you are going through during your time of recovery.
In addition, learn new, healthy ways to cope with stress or difficulties in your life. Exercise is a healthy way to relieve stress. Getting a pet can make starting a new routine easier and shift your mind away from unhealthy life patterns. Get outside and do something you enjoy to help get away from your old habits. There are lots of healthy ways to deal with stress that can replace previous unhealthy habits
Realize that you will still have triggers and cravings despite changing your customs and finding new ways to cope. The best way to avoid triggers is to cut ties with everyone and everything that reminds you of using drugs. Avoid bars and other areas that will remind you of when you use. Be aware when you are having a medical procedure done to be upfront with your doctor before the procedure is done, so you can avoid be tempted by any medications they might prescribe you. Have a go to distraction when you have cravings. These can include exercising, going for a walk, listening to music, or anything you enjoy doing to get your mind off the craving. Call a friend to tell them you have just had a trigger or craving. Talk it through with someone you can trust to help you overcome the feeling. Instead of only remember the good feelings the drug gave you when you have a craving, remind yourself of all the negative consequences that ensued because of your drug use too.
Remember that there is no one healing system out there that works the same for everyone. Your recovery regimen should be customized to your specific needs. Seek a healing treatment plan that is the best fit for you. Also know that treatment will address more than just your drug addiction. You will be dealing with hard life issues too-things that the drug abuse has been covering up. Despite the hard topics you will be addressing, you will need to have a commitment to follow through with the treatment process. Make a commitment to stick to your treatment plan no matter what happens.
In order to effectively rid your life of drug use, you should commit to learn to enjoy things that are meaningful to you outside of your drug use. Find a hobby you enjoy and pursue it. Volunteer if it will help you feel good about yourself. Set new goals and accomplish them. Get serious about your health and taking care of your body.
Remember recovery is a process, and it will take time for you to get better, but taking the first step in seeking help allows you to step onto the road to recovery.
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