Substance misuse has become exceedingly common primarily because of the ease of access to drugs and the lack of awareness about addiction disorders. Every day, around 5000 people visit emergency rooms because of a drug-related problem, and as many as 23.5 million individuals admit to having a severe drug addiction. While these numbers may make addiction seem like a habit that is impossible to get over, the reality is quite the opposite. Overcoming addiction (although challenging) is still possible, provided individuals take the proper steps.
There are many reasons why substance abuse is so difficult to reverse but one, in particular, has to be the lack of self-control in individuals. In simple terms, maintaining sobriety is a struggle because of the brain’s hyper-dependence on these substances. Then again, with the right approach, recovery is certainly achievable. Listed below are some valuable tips that’ll help ensure success in the journey of healing.
Identify stressors
When someone develops an addiction, it is usually to escape from the specific situations that cause stress. These situations could include a demanding job, family issues, peer pressure, mental health disorders, etc. Hence, it is crucial to identify what situations or riggers lead to substance abuse to tackle addiction.
An excellent way to identify stressors is by consulting mental health and addiction professionals and discussing what triggers you to consume harmful substances in excess. You can visit a rehab center, such as the Delphi Behavioral Health Group and get the help you need. These facilities also provide several treatment plans specifically tailored to identify your condition and deal with it appropriately. Once you identify the root cause, you can take the next step to combat the stressors. Treatment can range from counseling as well as medication to help reverse the effects of addiction.
Opt for alternative methods
Certain practices like exercise and yoga have proven to be very helpful when it comes to aiding recovery. Not only are these methods healthier ways to control urges, but they also help negate the ill effects of addiction by encouraging healthier ways of relief. You can also try a new hobby like reading or going on nature walks.
Partaking in an exercise routine is highly beneficial for individuals because it helps boost mood and productivity with the help of endorphins. Exercise can also be an excellent way to achieve the “high” that drugs once promoted. Except, of course, this method is much healthier and viable. Regardless of the method you choose, the underlying principle is the same for most of them. Healthy hobbies are an excellent way to keep the mind distracted from negative thoughts and the compulsion to consume harmful substances as a coping mechanism.
Change your social circle and habits
If you’re on rehabilitation, there may be several life changes that you may have to make. These changes can include canceling specific outings or cutting certain people out of your life who could act as potential inducers. In more straightforward terms, hanging around people and places where drugs are commonly used can make you relapse even before you know it. It is easy to claim willpower and say that you will “stand firm.” Still, it is best to stay away from negative influences during the initial phases of recovery. One wrong step and you can put yourself back at square 1 all over again.
Therefore, remove anything and everything that hinders your journey to sobriety. Bear in mind that this can also include the people you work with, the places you go for work or study, or maybe even objects that remind you of your habits. Practice distancing yourself from such things slowly and ask for help from your close ones when needed.
Get support from family members
Research has shown that family members can be extremely helpful for a successful recovery from SAD. It can be easy to lose control and slip into using harmful substances when going through withdrawal. It is beneficial to have a family member or a loved one who can remind you of your goals in cases like this. Often, getting a combined family therapy can be crucial to the route of progress as well. Victims of abuse can identify the impact of their actions on their family and determine if a member is a potential enabler.
All in all, a supportive family can be of tremendous help in staying clean and sober. The emotional dilemma of hurting your family can be a motivating factor for moving towards soberness. In case you have a toxic family background, you can always join support groups as well. These groups include several people who are also going through what you are. Speaking up can help you feel like you’re not alone in your journey. As a plus point, you can make new friends and learn from their experiences too.
Set goals and track progress
Another helpful tip is to jot down a couple of objectives regarding your rehab goals and mark them off when you accomplish them. You can list moments where you controlled your temptation or instances where you may have found yourself falling off track. You can also write down a mission statement to remind yourself of why you started.
Regardless, it is essential to write and review your progress repeatedly. Upon subsequent reviewing, you will constantly remind yourself of your purpose. You will be motivated to stick to your goals. A large number of rehab specialists, too, encourage victims to keep a diary for progress tracking.
Conclusion
The journey to sobriety isn’t easy, especially if you continue to live in an environment that will likely trigger a relapse. This article mentions a few tips to help you stay committed to your recovery. Seek professional help to identify stressors that trigger drug abuse behavior and tackle them. Indulge in healthy habits as a distraction mechanism and avoid people and situations that can negatively influence you. Get support from your family and set goals to track your progress. By following these tips, you should be able to resist your cravings and become sober sooner than later.
