What Every Struggling Addict Should Know About Recovery
Posted on: 5 June 2016
Despite the common belief that drug addiction is a sign of character weakness, the truth is that character has little to do with most instances of addiction. Many of the people who find themselves becoming habitual users end up doing so due to a mental illness, significantly traumatic experience or chemical imbalance that leads to addiction. As it turns out, most people who end up facing addiction and drug abuse are good people who are simply struggling to battle an illness. The automatic responses to subconscious triggers can be difficult to overcome without help. Here's a look at what you should know about battling your addiction.
Making The Decision To Come Clean
One of the most important things to remember about overcoming an addiction is that it has to start with the decision to change things. That first step is typically the hardest one to make, and it can be both emotional and challenging. Beating that addiction is going to take determination.
Making The Changes To Stay Clean
In order to stay clean once you've decided to get there, it's important that you carefully consider the people you're surrounding yourself with. The last thing you need is to interact with people that you've associated with your habit, because that's one of those subconscious triggers that may lead you back down that path. Consider how you deal with stress, too. Seek out some coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and change before you move forward, because unexpected stress can lead you to seek out old habits, too.
Making Your Progress Measurable
One common struggle during the recovery period is feeling like you're not making any progress. The best way to combat that feeling is by setting specific, clear and measurable goals to attain throughout the process. For example, set time periods for staying clean. Work toward that first seven days, then two weeks and move on from there. In addition, set goals to make specific changes in your routine and your life. That way, you can see clearly that you are making forward progress. When you can see the goals being checked off on your progress list, it's more likely to encourage you to stick with it.
Making Your Treatment Work For You
Trying to make it through recovery on your own is going to make the entire process more challenging and may reduce your chances of success. Instead, reach out to a therapy program that will help you develop the tools and coping mechanisms you'll need to get through. There's no single solution that's right for everyone, so whether you need inpatient or outpatient services, there's sure to be something for you. Make sure you also have family, friends or other support to help you stick it out.
Even if you've been struggling with addiction for a long time, that doesn't mean you cannot shake it. If you're ready to commit to recovery, these steps will help you do just that. Reach out to a service provider like Pacific Ridge for more help.
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