Over the years, television and the film industry have depicted people struggling with addiction negatively. However, the truth is that anyone can develop an addiction to harmful substances regardless of their principles, age, background, or financial status. Being an addict isn’t a sign of weakness or character flaw, and it takes strong willpower to overcome the problem.
The First Step to Overcoming Substance Abuse
Abusing substances can create changes in the brain, causing intense cravings and a compulsion that makes sobriety seem out of reach. But overcoming addiction isn’t impossible, no matter the number of times you’ve tried and failed before. With the right support and treatment, you can recover and regain control of your life.
The very first and toughest step is to admit you have a problem and are making the decision to change. Typically, you’ll feel uncertain whether you’re ready to commit or have what it takes to push through. It’s okay to feel torn. However, you’ve got to find the energy and focus on eliminating all the triggers, including:
- Removing all substances of abuse from your home
- Avoiding gatherings where substance abuse can occur
- Being careful with who you allow in your life
- Be mindful of what you do during your free time
- Avoiding negative thoughts about oneself
Science has taught us that common triggers associated with substance use can easily lead to relapse. That’s why it’s vital to stay away from stress cues and accept help, in terms of medication and therapy, in order to stay in recovery.
Explore Your Addiction Treatment
Once you commit to recovery, you’ll need to explore the different treatment options. While your treatment programs vary depending on the medication used, a successful program often includes three elements:
#1. Detoxification: The first step is to flush the substances from your body and manage withdrawal symptoms. You can experience different emotional and physical symptoms like sleeplessness or restlessness, anxiety, depression, among other mental health conditions. Certain medications can be used to help the brain adapt to the absence of the substance gradually. They also prevent substance craving and can have a calming effect on the body.
#2. Behavioral Counseling: Your best chance of recovery is dependent on getting combined addiction treatment medications and mental health therapy. Group, individual, and family therapy can help identify the root cause of your addiction, repair your relationships, and discover healthier coping skills. Besides, meeting other people experiencing similar difficulties helps you feel like you’re not alone, and gives you a platform to discuss strategies and skills for managing substance use problems.
#3. Long-Term Follow-Up: Substance abuse treatment isn’t a quick and easy process. Following up on your treatment is crucial to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. It can include meeting your therapist from time to time to help keep your recovery on track or attending in-person support groups regularly.
Recovery: Getting the Right Support
At NeuroRelief, we understand that addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, and that’s why our treatment program is designed to bring out the best in you. When you come to us, our counselors will help you select a treatment plan that meets your specific medical, social, mental, occupational, and familial needs.
Contact us today to learn more about the treatment options available for substance abuse and how NeuroRelief can help you.