Illegal drug addiction can be tough not just on the drug dependent, but also to the drug dependent’s family. It is a well-known fact that illegal drugs have mind-altering and dependency-inducing effects that make the harmful habit hard to kick. The government, NGOs and other private entities are continuously working on rehabilitation programs that can effectively help drug dependents kick the habit and prevent the possibility of relapse. For the drug dependent’s part, it takes a strong will to change and to stay committed to the rehabilitation process from start to finish. The road to recovery can involve challenges, pitfalls, and setbacks, but by accepting the situation, knowing the problem and persevering to change you’ll do well as you go along.
Acknowledging the Problem and Deciding To Make a Change
The first step towards recovery can be a tough one. You need to recognize and accept that you have a drug problem and decide to change that situation. Uncertainty and doubts about being ready for making the change and the success of the attempt are normal. For example, if you’re addicted to a prescription drug like an opioid painkiller, you’re probably concerned about finding an alternate way to treat your medical condition. You may feel torn between letting go and continuing the status quo. Recovery from drug addiction needs motivation, time and support. You just need to stay committed all the way for you to succeed.
Explore Your Drug Dependency Treatment Options
Once you’ve set your mind and commitment to recovery, you can proceed with checking for treatment choices. You need to know the type of drug you are abusing, as addiction treatment can vary depending on the specific drug. Most treatment programs include the following elements:
- Detoxification. This is an important step as it involves purging the body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms. Different drugs have varying withdrawal symptoms that can lead drug addicts to relapse. For example, opioid treatment for addiction to opiates like opioid painkillers and heroin can have intense withdrawal symptoms and need medical assistance in administering detox.
- Medication. Medications such as antagonists may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse and co-occurring mental conditions like depression and anxiety. Antagonists work by binding receptor sites along the central nervous system to prevent the abused drug from producing desired effects or “high” feeling and instead cause the opposite effect, leading to the eventual stopping of using the drug.
- Counseling. Individual, group or family therapy can help identify the root cause of your drug use, repair relationships and learn healthy and constructive coping skills.
- Long-term follow-up. This helps maintain sobriety and prevent the possibility of relapse. It can include regular in-person or online support groups and meetings to keep your recovery monitored.
Find Support for Your Drug Dependence Recovery
A regular and strong support network is essential for drug addiction recovery. Lean to people close to you for support. Your family and close friends can provide you with encouragement, guidance and lend you an ear when you need them. Make new connections with people undergoing the same recovery program as yours by joining recovery support groups. Meeting new people who understand what you’re going through can be uplifting and relieving.
Remove Reminders of Addiction from Your Life
The problem of relapse is part of your journey to drug recovery. Don’t let it get you down or think negatively. Instead, change the mood and vibe of your surroundings into something positive. Remove reminders and triggers of your addiction from your home, workplace and other places you hang out. Replace them with new, positive and constructive activities such as new hobbies, adopting a pet, going on nature trips, take up art lessons or join community outreach activities. These activities are not only positive and fulfilling, but they also keep relapse at bay.
Overcoming drug addiction can be the bravest and most mature course of action to do after falling from grace. Doing so may not be easy and could be fraught with challenges, but if you have set your mind to change for the better, you will have the will to go on and pull through.