In 2018 (the latest year for which statistics are available), there were nearly 70,000 deaths due to drug overdose in the United States. While there are certainly many barriers that addicted individuals must overcome in order to receive effective treatment, it’s also true that overdose deaths are preventable.
Of course, the impetus for change has to start with the person who is using the drug, drinking the alcohol, going to the casino to gamble, or engaging in any other destructive, addictive behavior. Whether you have hit bottom or are just doing a little research in preparation for entering rehab, read on to learn how to overcome addiction.
1. Be Honest with Yourself
An individual who is in denial won’t be able to overcome addiction. It might be scary to open your eyes and see the toll that your drug use has taken not only on your own life and well-being but that of your family members and friends, too. You might feel shame or guilt that your actions have led to addiction. However, taking a thorough stock of where you are right now, and being 100% truthful with yourself and with anyone who wants to help you, is absolutely essential.
2. Set Some Goals
Now that you’ve taken a long, hard look at the circumstances in which you find yourself, it’s time to imagine a new future. What does a sober life look like to you? Maybe it involves getting your kids back, holding down a job or advancing in your career, or being in touch with your spirituality. Regaining your health can also be a powerful motivation.
It actually doesn’t matter that much what goals you have; the important part is setting your goals, articulating them, and taking the first steps toward achieving them.
3. Enlist Support from Others
Overcoming addiction is difficult enough; don’t make it even harder by trying to go it alone. Talk to your loved ones. Ask them for help and support. It’s likely that they’ll be thrilled to hear you want to get clean, and eager to provide whatever assistance is necessary.
Just as your addiction is affecting your close, personal relationships, so too will your quitting have a ripple effect. To that end, suggest that they attend a support group themselves or read up on how to help a recovering user. They’ll have to unlearn negative patterns of communication and behavior, and that can be tricky for people who have been codependent for years.
4. Get Professional Help
Having a support system in place is essential if you want to successfully become sober. Depending on your drug of choice, you might need to undergo medically-supervised detox in a dedicated healthcare facility. Learn more about what that entails here.
Other professionals who can help you are counselors or therapists who specialize in treating addiction, psychologists and psychiatrists, and social workers.
Knowing How to Overcome Addiction Is the First Step
There’s no denying that drugs can have incredibly powerful effects on a person, both physically and mentally. Quitting drugs will almost certainly be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. Yet the rewards of doing so are priceless. Learning how to overcome addiction is a huge first step, however, so congratulate yourself on making it this far and commit to the journey ahead.
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