Addiction is something that many people struggle with. From caffeine and social media to opioids and alcohol, most people have something they’re addicted to. However, some addictions are of course far more dangerous than others.
If you’re wanting to quit whatever substance you’re addicted to, that means you’ve already done one of the hardest parts, which is recognizing that it’s become a problem. The road ahead may be difficult but know that you’re taking the necessary steps toward improving your life.
Seeking Help
When struggling with any disorder it can be difficult allowing yourself to seek help. Many of us may feel shame in admitting we have a problem, especially one that’s still so taboo like drug or alcohol addiction. But remember that reaching out for help will make the process of quitting so much easier and is necessary for most people to achieve sobriety.
Many people who struggle with addiction choose to stay at a rehabilitation facility to get help managing their addictions. These facilities usually offer different programs depending on the patient’s needs and can be extremely helpful in treating addictions. You would normally stay with people who have similar treatment plans to you, participate in group and solo activities, and receive therapy or counseling. There are different options for rehab facilities, so you’ll have to decide which one will suit your needs the best. Look up an accredited Scottsdale addiction treatment plan to find the best choice for your care.
A vital component of any treatment is therapy or counseling. Speaking to a professional can not only help you beat your addiction and stay sober but a therapist or psychiatric professional can also get to the root of your addiction and address any underlying issues that may have been the cause. Again, addiction is an illness that has to come from somewhere. While genetics can play a factor, mental health is often the main cause of substance abuse and addiction, so therapy is a necessary tool while you’re in recovery and after sobriety as well.
The Power of Willpower
Possibly the most important skill needed to battle addiction is willpower. Breaking any habit can be difficult, especially if that habit involves a substance with addictive properties. It takes a lot of will and determination to push through the difficulties and reach your goals.
Before beginning your journey toward sobriety, research common withdrawal symptoms, especially any specific to the substance you’ll be quitting. Withdrawal is a serious hurdle in addiction recovery and is a big reason many people say they have trouble quitting. Suddenly depriving your body of a substance, even a harmful one, that it’s become so used to receiving can have very negative effects. Some of these symptoms can be mood changes, depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, nausea, and hallucinations. There are also some more severe symptoms that can occur like confusion, paranoia, and even seizures. Be aware of these symptoms and speak with your doctor or recovery specialist about how to manage them.
To ease or even eliminate these withdrawal symptoms, consider a recovery plan that involves weaning off of the addictive substance gradually rather than quitting “cold turkey.” While it may seem counterintuitive to continue taking drugs or drinking alcohol while trying to achieve sobriety, this method can have many benefits. Gradually lowering the amount you consume can greatly lessen the severity of any withdrawal symptoms and make them more manageable. For many people tapering off of their addictive substance is much easier, but for some quitting all at once is a better option. Talk to your doctor or counselor about these methods and which may be right for you.
It’s also important to have a strong support system around you to help you through this difficult process. Your support system doesn’t necessarily need to consist of family and friends if you feel they’re not supportive or tend to be enabling. Instead, you can try group therapy to connect with others that share your struggles, rely on your doctors and counselors, or even search online forums like Reddit for groups about battling addiction. Speaking to people who understand the journey you’re on can be extremely beneficial and motivating.
Remember Why You Do It
The path to sobriety is not an easy one, and be aware that there will be plenty of hard times and bad days ahead. But also remember that this will be a positive change that will lead to your personal growth and happiness.
Addiction can affect your physical and mental health in so many negative ways, and your health might be the perfect motivation for getting sober. Drugs and alcohol can damage your body in so many ways so treating addiction will make you feel better in the long run. We all want to take care of ourselves and though that may be difficult to do at times it’s no less important.
You should also consider how your addiction may be affecting the people you love. This illness not only harms the person themselves but often those around them as well. Family and friends often struggle seeing someone they love battle addiction and given the erratic and unpredictable behavior some people might show while under the influence of certain drugs, it can cause serious emotional damage. If you’re in need of motivation, think of your friends and family who may have been impacted by this addiction.
Addiction is a serious matter that should always be handled with care and recovery is no different. Never be ashamed of the situation you find yourself in now, but do take responsibility for it and try taking the steps toward positive change.