In modern times, addiction has become one of the thorns in the side of society.
It has almost become uncommon to hear of Hollywood stars, sports personalities or local heroes that are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Apart from the glitz and glamour, you reading this right now could be addicted to a narcotic substance or you might know of a family member or loved one that needs help.
Handling an addiction is a tough task as it causes people to make rash and unclear decisions with their only aim being getting more and more of the drug they’re addicted to.
This means that everything that was once important will be left forgotten in the dust, whether it is the addict’s family, work or hobbies has taken a back seat to their addiction.
The sad part about addiction is that the person knows that the narcotic substance is destroying their lives, but is unable to stop using it.
Recovery might seem like an impossible task, but in all honesty, it’s not. There are lots of ways to handle an addiction and below you will be able to find some of them.
Recognising the Problem
Acceptance is only one of the steps in the path to recovery. However, it can be quite hard for addicts to admit to having a problem. Waiting for the cry for help could be too late, so if you suspect that your loved one could be addicted to drugs or alcohol, act now.
Show Encouragement
It’s important for the people that are closest to the person to provide the necessary encouragement and support. Recovery is a lifelong process that won’t be easy and knowing that you have people you can turn to when times are tough is reassuring.
Get Treatment at a Rehabilitation Centre
This is probably the main part of the recovery process as without professional medical help, quitting an addiction can be very challenging and it’s rare that people succeed by themselves.
Addiction treatment may start with a supervised medical detox to lessen the effects of the withdrawal symptoms that may be suffered because of the fact that the drug isn’t available.
Rehab doesn’t only focus on getting the drug out of your system, but it also focuses on all the other underlying issues of the addiction suffered.
There are lots of types of counselling and therapy that will help educate the individual about their addiction and it will also teach them skills on how to live a clean, sober and drug free lifestyle. These include individual (one-on-one) counselling and group therapy.
It’s important for all rehab clinics to modify their addiction treatment programs to every new patient that is admitted as everyone’s symptoms will differ.
Find Out What Led You to Use Drugs in the First Place
It’s important to find out what led you to use drugs or alcohol in the first place before returning from the rehab clinic back into your normal lifestyle.
Recovering addicts have to remove all the triggers that might cause a relapse, which is most prevalent immediately after rehab has been completed.
Join Recovery Support Groups
Recovery support groups don’t only keep addicts focused on their recovery efforts, but it also gives them the opportunity to interact with other recovering addicts in similar positions as themselves which provide motivation.
Avoid Bad Influences
It’s important to stay away from the people that could have influenced your decision to use drugs or alcohol in the first place. By doing this, the recovering addict will greatly diminish their chances of suffering a relapse after treatment.
Stay Busy
It’s important that recovering addicts remain busy and preoccupied. Find something that was once enjoyed or get a new pet. By doing things that are enjoyable and that have purpose, it helps in preventing relapses.
There Are No Shortcuts
Previously addicted individuals have to realise that recovery is a lifelong process that will take time and patience. Nothing happens overnight. By staying focused and goal driven, there is no reason why addicts can’t live a clean, sober and drug free lifestyle.
For more information on how to get you or your loved one on the path to recovery and into a rehab centre, call us now and our qualified addictions counsellor will gladly find the best clinic available.