7 Steps to Overcome an Addiction

It takes sharp vision and a fierce will to realize the thin line between partaking in addictive behavior and addiction, a line that many people unknowingly cross. The first step in recovering from addiction is admitting that you have a problem, which puts you in the first stage of the process. If you think you may use some counseling, you could visit a psychiatrist. It can be quite challenging to kick a drug habit. There are numerous relapses, intense desires, intense withdrawal symptoms, and several other related events. Substance abuse is a risky scenario brought on by chemicals that seize mental control over the addicted person. In this phenomenon, there have been times when it has looked difficult to stop using drugs, but there is always a chance of going through a recovery process. But carrying out this technique is not that simple. Recovery may need planning and coping mechanisms. Both healthy and bad coping mechanisms can be used to deal with persistent cravings, relapses, and withdrawal symptoms.

 

Why Overcoming Addiction is So Difficult

Addiction is a “treatable, chronic medical disorder involving intricate interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences,” according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. As everyone knows that addiction alters the brain’s reward system and enhances the desire for substances or experiences, people continue to engage in dangerous activities despite the negative effects. Quitting becomes even harder as a result of these brain alterations, which also impact impulse control and judgment. Moreover, addiction is treatable, even though addiction rehabilitation is difficult. You can overcome the physical and mental difficulties you encounter to recover with the help of helpful services and the appropriate treatment strategy. Once your aim is clear, you might still need to get ready for change. Making preparations entails getting rid of triggers in your life that could lead you to relapse, as well as removing addictive drugs from your home.

 

Some Effective Coping Techniques

A process that begins with pre-contemplation and progresses into contemplation is required to make any form of change. You might be oblivious to the consequences of your addiction in the early stages of the process. You may have ambivalence as you become more conscious of the issues you are confronting and as you also grow more conscious of the need to kick your addiction.

 

However, after you’ve made the decision to change, you may start getting ready to act. A number of people who are currently sober and/or were once drug addicts may help maintain sustained abstinence, which in turn helps prevent relapses and withdrawal symptoms. The following abilities can be mentioned if we try to incorporate some healthy ones into dealing with the risky and unpredictable phase of recovery.


  • Relaxation and Managing Stress

Tension and anxiety are highly powerful causes of addiction. Addiction is typically a stress-relieving practice that people engage in. When it comes to dealing with drug addiction, relaxation can be really helpful. The secret to a successful healing process is to react to every stressful event with calm and composure. It is a necessary strategy that must be implemented as the very first step; it is not an optional strategy. The addicted person goes through a number of various adjustments during the recovery process, but it is a well-known fact that a stressed-out person is not amenable to changes at all. A person who is at ease is constantly open to change and, as a result, is prepared to recover.


  • Be Honest Up to the Last Limit 

Always, lying and dishonesty are the precursors to drug addiction. lying about using drugs, lying about other drug users, and even lying to oneself about the bad effects of drugs. An addict engages in lying so frequently that it becomes second nature to him. However, in order to overcome the addiction, the addicted individual must be honest with themselves, their loved ones, their doctors, and their therapists. An honest individual who doesn’t lie has a lot more chances to bounce back than someone who lies.


  • Try to Avoid H۔A۔L۔T 

High-risk situations are referred to as H.A.L.T. Hunger, rage, loneliness, and exhaustion are examples of high-risk situations. If a person is practicing coping mechanisms and becomes famished, irate, or stressed. He gets too fatigued, feels completely alone, even in the midst of a throng, and all of these things increase his risk of relapsing and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. So stay away from everything listed above. Never eat till you’re full; take your time while you’re under pressure. One of the most crucial steps in overcoming drug addiction is to prevent the feelings of high-risk circumstances associated with the aforementioned phenomena.


  • Change Negative Approach Towards Life 

A compulsion to use drugs or alcohol results from changes in the brain brought on by substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite the fact that it is a persistent mental health issue, sobriety is achievable with the right care and encouragement. Avoiding pessimistic viewpoints and adopting a more upbeat outlook on life are two examples of a change in the cognitive process. This can assist you to deal with abusive drug-related circumstances. If you think that you are surrounded by people who will push you towards drugs and alcohol, change your surroundings. The likelihood of relapsing is significantly increased when someone stops using drugs or alcohol but keeps up their old routines or habits. Avoid the people, places, and circumstances that set off your need to use in order to support your recovery.


  • Talk to a Therapist 

By discussing the cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms with a therapist, tension and anxiety may be reduced, leading to a good shift. Your therapist will advise you on the type of drug addiction therapy you should receive for effective money management. You can choose one of the numerous available health insurance plans to pay for your medical care. Infact doctors are available online from the ease of your home. You can consult your addiction doctor online. Consider the 30 years that AllWays Health Insurance has been in business. A therapist can help you start an addiction treatment program. Most addiction treatment programs offer the following forms of treatment:

 

  • Individual Therapy
  • Telehealth Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Peer Support Groups
  • Chemical Dependency Counseling
  • Detox 
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) like Naltrexone Treatment



  • Write Down the Feeling of Gratitude Toward Recovery 

One of the most crucial steps in overcoming drug addiction is to feel grateful for one’s successful recovery. Writing down the daily changes that a person experiences, especially the good ones, can increase sentiments of thankfulness, which in turn supports the healing process.



  • Healthy Lifestyle 

A healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Regular exercise, reading for pleasure, and engaging in enjoyable activities can all be effective healthy coping mechanisms for drug addiction. There are so many situations that can trigger the use of drugs and alcohol. Be alert and open your eyes to the surroundings. Once we can recognize these triggers, we can control them by learning effective coping mechanisms. 

 

Learn to identify the triggers that lead you towards taking drugs or alcohol, some common triggers are:

 

  • Stress Unpleasant Feelings
  • the environment
  • Community Isolation
  • Physical or Mental Illness

 

The Benefits of Sobriety

Addiction is a curse that not only the addict but everyone close to the addict. If you or a loved one thinks they are addicted to drugs and alcohol, seek help as soon as possible. Once you overcome your addictions, you will notice a visible change in your life. Some of the benefits of sobriety are:

 

  • A greater sense of freedom
  • Improved mental and physical health
  • Better financial stability
  • Healthier relationships with friends and family
  • More time to spend on what truly matters to them




Is Addiction Treatment Covered By Insurance?

Yes, but make sure to contact your insurance provider and get all the details. Most insurance providers offer some sort of addiction treatment coverage for their users so they can get treatment without worrying about the cost of addiction treatment. 

 

Last Words…

One of the most crucial steps in recovering from an addiction is making the decision to change. It shows that you are aware of the issue and want to solve it when you admit that a change is necessary. Choosing to change and figuring out how to do it are processes that frequently require time. Because it entails deliberating whether and how to change, this is known as the contemplation stage.

 

Ambitious objectives are not always the best, though. Setting a goal you can actually meet is preferable to planning to stop “cold turkey” and then relapsing, which can be riskier than just carrying on as you were. It is undeniable that someone who is abusing drugs can deal with the circumstance positively and healthily without relapsing into that vile drug addiction. But it needs a solid support network and a firm resolve. The secret to rehabilitation success is selecting only healthy coping mechanisms. In the rehabilitation process, having healthy and constructive coping mechanisms can be really helpful. Be sure to speak with your insurance company and inquire about the coverage options prior to receiving treatment.

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].