Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. ~Marie Curie
The following is a guest post by Art Coburn.
It is not impossible to overcome addictions. Many people have done so, and moved on to happy, healthy lives. However, putting an addiction behind you is not a fast, simple process. There are a number of things you must do to succeed. A life of sobriety can be yours.
It Is Necessary To Acknowledge The Problem
If you want to overcome addictions, you need to realize they exist. While this may sound logical, you may be surprised at how many people cannot recognize they have an addiction even when it is very clear. For true recovery to begin, start by acknowledging that you have lost control over your drug or alcohol use. This is an essential step in getting substances out of your life.
Recovery Requires Complete Abstinence
If recovery is your goal, you need to abstain from drinking and using drugs. You cannot use smaller amounts, or switch to a different substance. Your mind and body must be completely free of all substances if you wish to recover. If your doctor has given you any prescription medication, ask him to recommend one that is not addictive, or a different form of treatment altogether.
There Is No One Method That Works Equally Well For Everyone
There are many different resources available to help addicts and alcoholics recover from addictions. Some of the most popular are inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, and 12-Step programs. The method that is right for you is the one that works for you. If you are not certain of which resource to choose, you can ask your physician for advice.
One of the most popular choices people use when choosing a rehab would be the conventional drug and alcohol treatment center. In this type of rehab setting the patient can be detoxed medically if necessary. They will also be monitored by trained staff members around the clock every day some of which are recovering addicts themselves. The clients will be required to attend 12 step meetings, group, lectures, and individual substance counseling sessions.
The most important thing one can do while they are in rehab is to keep an open mind and pay attention to the lectures and when you are in your counseling session be absolutely honest. I good rule of thumb is to talk about the things you will not talk to anyone else about and share from your heart.
Overcoming Addictions Means Many Changes
There is much more to recovery than getting and staying clean. While this is the first step, there is more you need to do to reach your goal of a sober life. The attitudes and behaviors you have had while drinking or using drugs must change. The people you associate with, and the places where you spend your free time, may also need to be changed. In addition to not associating with people who drink and use, you have to learn how to get along with individuals who have never had these issues. You may also have relationships, work, or other issues that require your attention. When full recovery is your goal, there are many changes you must make in your life.
Take Care to Not Develop New Addictions
When you have alcohol and drugs out of your life, you could be tempted to take on other habits. Whether it is sleeping all day, going overboard with exercise, or putting an unreasonable amount of time into a hobby, behaviors can become addictions. Some can even cause a chemical change in your brain. It is important to stay alert to any behavior that is claiming large amounts of your time. Your family members and friends can be greatly helpful with this aspect of your recovery process. If a certain behavior is obsessive and compulsive, you should take steps to break the habit. If you need assistance in doing so, ask for help.
Key Takeaways
- When you want to overcome addictions, you must start by acknowledging a true problem exists.
- Realize that you cannot recover without complete abstinence. You cannot substitute one drug for another if sobriety is the goal.
- Whether you have tried to give up alcohol or drugs in the past, or only recently noticed the need to quit, reaching out for help is the way to succeed. Very few alcoholics and addicts are reaching their goals alone. You can give yourself the best start by asking for help today.
