Recognizing that you’re battling addiction isn’t easy to do. Even if you know you are addicted and need help, it’s emotionally challenging to admit that to yourself–and to others.
Addiction is a disease and should be thought of and treated like one. Like any disease, it is a battle that requires professional care and a personal commitment to do everything you can to overcome the challenges. With the right tools, information, and resources, you can overcome addiction.
Understand What Addiction Is
Addiction, also called a substance use disorder, is a condition in which the brain faces significant changes. These changes in the function and structure of the brain make it nearly impossible for the person to resist cravings for the addictive substance. There is no cure for addiction, but it is possible to reach sobriety and live a long, healthy life without the use of substances. Doing so puts you back in control over your life and your future.
So, How Do You Stop Addiction?
Your path to living in addiction recovery is personal, but it will most likely require the following steps and strategies:
#1: Recognize the Problem and Its Impact
One of the most challenging parts of addiction is denial, in which you insist that you don’t have a problem or that you can stop using substances on your own. The addicted brain looks for excuses and tries to justify your continued use of substances even as you try to stop doing so.
Your first big challenge, then, is to admit what’s occurring and how much it’s impacting your life. Look at how your substance use affects your ability to do well in school or at work, maintain strong and positive relationships, and stay healthy.
#2: Get into Professional Addiction Treatment
Even if you don’t want to live in a residential treatment center, getting into any level of addiction treatment may be helpful to you. Working with an individual counselor, you’ll learn a great deal about your addiction and start to break down why it is happening to you.
This is an incredibly difficult process because it often means having to explore painful past experiences, negative thought patterns, and even mental health challenges that could be limiting your ability to heal.
With professional treatment, you’ll have a safe place to work through any of these factors. Doing so may help you overcome the challenges you’re facing with addiction, and it may give you more power over what’s happening in your life.
#3: Consider the Need for Detox
As addiction worsens, dependence occurs. When a person is physically or mentally dependent on substances, there is virtually no way for them to stop using on their own. The cravings to use more are intense, and withdrawal symptoms are severe. That indicates a need for a professional detox program, in which you’ll step away from your family for a short period of time and remain in a treatment center while your body detoxifies. Detox involves the use of various medical and holistic treatments to ease your symptoms and stabilize your system.
#4: Recognize the Value of Sobriety
One of the most important things you can do as you work to remain drug-free is to see the value and benefits that being drug-free brings to you. This will differ from one person to the next, but it’s not uncommon that you’ll need to retrain your brain to recognize the reasons why you should remain drug-free. Here are some of those:
- You retake control over every decision in your life.
- Your mental health improves because you have more clarity and can work through the challenges holding you back.
- There’s an incredible sense of freedom. Even though you still have to work through the challenges of addiction and its impact, you’ll feel more prepared to do so.
- Physically, your health is likely to improve.
- You may see improvement in your financial stability.
- Relationships will likely improve, and you’ll be a better friend, partner, and parent.
#5: Create a Plan to Remain Drug Free
When you start treatment, you’ll learn about your triggers or the situations that put you at an increased risk of relapse. You’ll also look at strategies to help you maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
Most often, you’ll benefit from evidence-based care, a process in which you’ll work closely with therapists who can help you to work through negative thoughts, mental health challenges, and other complications that limit your ability to stay sober. You’ll work to create a safe environment to live in and the support you need to rebuild your life.
At English Mountain in Tennessee, we work closely with you to provide you with the resources you need for significant change. Get started today.
Looking into Tennessee intensive outpatient programs? To learn more about programs offered at English Mountain Recovery, call and speak with someone today at (877) 615-8569. We are ready to help you or your loved one recover.
