DRUG ADDICTION

Addiction is a sneaky disease that can completely consume us before we realize we’re in over our heads and can’t stop using drugs on our own. In many cases, we doubt that we will be able to stop using drugs even with the help of our families and professionals. Addiction to drugs is completely incapacitating. 

What begins as natural experimenting in adolescence, conforming to peer pressure, or testing the limits, can quickly turn into overwhelming drug addiction. Addiction can lead to a lack of understanding of one’s own condition, which is often referred to as “denial.” It’s worth noting that denial is an unconscious defense mechanism, not conscious deception or ‘lying.’

 It is frequently assumed that nothing can be done to help a person stop using drugs unless they are extremely motivated to help themselves. We frequently hear family members say that putting them in drug rehab is a waste of money because they just want to stop using drugs for themselves.

 Addiction, by definition, causes a person to be unable to see the full consequences and effects of their behavior. This does not absolve them of responsibility for their condition or absolve them of the need to make changes. It means that people can be taught how to stop using drugs and live a drug-free life through effective drug rehab treatment.

If we wait for the addicted person to have a spontaneous awareness of their condition or a ‘burning bush’ insight that magically increases their understanding, we will be waiting a very long time for an event that is beyond our control and may never occur. While this is going on, the patient’s addiction is getting worse by the day. Drug addiction is a serious condition that can be fatal, and expecting the addicted person to do something positive to stop using drugs is highly unlikely. Usually, it takes someone in the family to step forward and put an end to the drugging madness. Our specialty is assisting you in determining the best way to get your loved one into a rehab facility.

HOW CAN YOU STOP USING DRUGS?

It is pointless to wait for something to change. You must make changes in order for your loved one to stop using drugs. If you wait for them to demonstrate greater willingness, readiness to change, or motivation, you may be waiting in vain, and nothing will change. Professional drug rehab centers specialize in working with ambivalent addicts who are unsure whether or not they want to stop using drugs. 

Allow professionals to do their jobs and assist your loved one in quitting drugs and staying clean. Nothing will change if you wait; call us today to get your loved one to stop using drugs. If necessary, we can arrange interventions and provide immediate access to the best detox and drug rehab treatment facilities. Waiting for a substance abuser to eventually ask, “How do I stop using drugs?” might never happen. 

It is critical that families of addicted people reclaim their power, stop enabling, and put the addicted person in a position where they must begin to accept responsibility for their addiction recovery.

 The following are practical and fundamental steps to quitting drugs. 

These suggestions are merely a starting point for raising awareness about quality addiction treatment. If an addicted person attempting to quit drugging experiences withdrawal symptoms, it is critical that they seek professional help from a drug rehab center.

MAKE THE DECISION TO QUIT USING DRUGS

When it comes to drug addiction, it’s critical to understand the concept of competing desires and motivation. It is frequently assumed that because addicted people struggle to stop using drugs and may even talk about stopping but never seem to make any real changes, they are not truly willing or ready to change. In reality, there is a great deal of conflict between stopping and continuing to use drugs when addicted. Because it is a condition of active addiction that the patient has decreased awareness of, it is most often the family that has to step in and create a crisis that can result in admission to an addiction treatment center and the possibility of some much-needed real change.

 Only after the addicted person has completed an effective drug rehab program and the addictions counseling team has reduced the patient’s level of delusion (by dismantling their mental denial system) will they have a more accurate understanding of the severity of their problem.

Once the addicted patient’s awareness of their reality is increased, there is the potential for deeper motivation to bring about the necessary changes that will allow them to get well and stay well.

The focal addictions counselor and the overall treatment program are responsible for improving motivation for change and the environmental conditions (culture within the addiction rehab). 

Family, friends, employers, and court orders, among other things, can provide critical external pressure and aid in the continuation of the journey toward addiction recovery. It is frequently assumed that these external forms of pressure are ineffective because the motivation for change does not come directly from the patient, but this internal motivation may be conflicted at first, and external pressure is very useful. Of course, the client’s motivation is entirely up to him or her; however, by developing a good rapport, the addictions counselor can roll with resistance, using collateral from external sources as pressure to enhance motivation and a healthy decision-making process.

IS HONESTY THE BEST POLICY?

The first step toward recovery has always been for the addict to admit to himself that he has a drug problem and cannot stop using on his own. As previously stated, it may take a professional addictions counseling team to assist an addicted person in seeing how they have been rational in all aspects of their lives but deluded about their drugging. Recovery from addiction necessitates confronting ourselves and our behaviors, as well as how they have harmed those around us. This requires bravery and learning to deal with feedback from other addicts in the rehab who may be further along the recovery path, the addictions counseling team, and our families.

PATIENCE IS REQUIRED.

It takes time to recover from active addiction.”We didn’t become addicted in one day, so remember ‘easy does it,'” says a line in Narcotics Anonymous’ 12-step self-help program. There is a direct relationship between the length of treatment and people’s ability to stay clean in the case of severe addictions. Addiction treatment centers that offer three-month programs tend to produce better results.

Recovery is a process rather than a quick fix, and patience is required throughout the process. Remember that things take time and that relapses are possible. If you relapse, it is critical to focus on the ground gained prior to picking up the drugs and to remember that the relapse is simply an indication that there is still some ground to cover, something more that needs to be addressed.

Relapse indicates that you are doing something that you need to learn to stop doing or that you have not yet learned to do that needs to be done. That’s it. Be gentle with yourself, make a gratitude list for all the progress you’ve made, and keep going. To get up and restart, you must be patient. Do not give up too quickly. Maintain your focus on the long term.

AVOID DRUG-USE TRIGGERS

It is best to avoid all influences that encourage drug use, especially in the early stages. It is critical for the individual to learn to walk away from the things that trigger drug use. 

It could be old friends, specific locations, or even different emotions. When the addict has identified the triggers in his life, he must avoid them at all costs. He will learn to recognize relapse warning signs such as behavioral and attitude changes.

THE ONLY PERSON ON WHOM TO RELY IS SELF.

Families can do a variety of things to put the addicted person in a position of accepting responsibility for their illness and getting them to stop using drugs. However, family and friends must accept that they are as powerless over the addict as the addict is over the drugs.

We can offer support and guidance, cajole and pressure, encouragement and love, but the only person who can stop using drugs is the person who is addicted to them. Being in recovery necessitates a paradigm shift to new ideas and ways of being in the world. To attempt this, you must be either very brave or very scared.

Most addicts are terrified of resuming drug use and are so desperate to stop that they are willing to do anything to rid themselves of the merciless addiction. 

This is an excellent place to begin your recovery. Some people try to rely on friends who have also decided to give up drugs at the same time. 

Someone always fails to follow through on their decision, and everything goes wrong. It is best for an addict who is trying to quit drugs to avoid friends who are still using because the temptation may be too strong to resist. A new group of drug-free friends can be a pleasant surprise and will undoubtedly lead to healthier relationships in the long run.

EAT HAPPY FOOD

Nutritious food is a good idea because it can help the addict’s body stay strong. Proteins are necessary because they keep blood sugar levels stable. 

This makes the individual’s moods more consistent. At this point, the body requires all the assistance it can get.

PARTICIPATE IN A SUPPORT GROUP

Addicts rarely stay in recovery on their own, and there is no reason for them too. There are support groups where people can get advice on issues that arise when they stop using drugs.

Churches, addiction treatment centers, 12-step programs, and hospitals may provide support groups or information on where to find one. 

The addict should not be afraid to speak with a professional or to seek a confidential assessment. It is also a good idea to approach people who have successfully quit using drugs at NA and AA meetings and solicit their assistance. They can be of great assistance throughout the process.

 ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE USED IN PLACE OF DRUG USE.

Because drugs have been such a large part of the actively addicted person’s life, they can begin to plan ahead of time and fill gaps with various activities. 

Perhaps going back to the things you used to do before you started using drugs would be beneficial. You could also make a list of everything you want to do and start a new hobby or interest.

FOCUS ON CHANGE

Family, positive friendships and physical health are all good things to focus on during recovery. 

All of these were most likely neglected during your active drug addiction, and now that you’re no longer using, it may be time to start making amends. As previously stated, quitting drugs is a process that can last a lifetime. The person who wishes to stop is advised to seek assistance as it is a difficult journey in general. Addiction rehab centers are available with trained professionals who have the patients’ best interests at heart, and it may be prudent to visit and find a suitable program to help with the transition from active addiction to a stable and contented recovery through drug abstinence. Contact Freeman House Recovery for any assistance.

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