At some point, many drug addicts realize that their lifestyle habits are not conducive to health, productivity, and self-esteem. If you’ve recently drawn this conclusion and are ready to put the substance abuse recovery process in full effect, it’s time to get organized and strategic. To start the recovery process off on the right foot, utilize some or all of the following restorative techniques:
1. Stop Lying About The Problem.
One great way to get on the road to recovery is by being honest with yourself about the problem. Pretending that you’re not addicted to drugs when you know that you are physically and mentally dependent on illicit substances will only prolong your pain and preclude you from attaining the assistance necessary to get your life back on track to success, self-fulfillment, and contributing positively to the world. Note that self-deceit is ultimately a form of procrastination. The procrastination process is activated as you continually, consciously tell yourself that you don’t have a problem and therefore don’t need professional assistance. The more you tell the lie, the more you push yourself away from taking the actions necessary to face the issue head-on.
In some cases, people aren’t really certain about whether they are addicted to an illicit substance or not. If this is your dilemma, note that there are several steps that you can take to attain a clear answer regarding whether you’re dealing with drug dependence or mere recreational use. Some of the symptoms that individuals who are addicted to drugs tend to experience include:
• mood swings
• paranoia
• extreme weight loss
• changes in sleeping patterns
• unusual smells on the body
• slurred speech
• impaired coordination
Also keep in mind that there are a wide range of substances that an individual might be addicted to. In many cases, people don’t think of dependence on a prescription medication in terms of addiction. Nevertheless, excessive, ongoing use of illicit substances in amounts that exceed the prescribed dose is an indication of addiction.
2. Start Searching For The Right Treatment Facility.
Once you get honest with yourself about the reality of drug addiction, it’s time to look for a treatment facility. This step is important because people cannot effectively recover from drug addiction in isolation. Rather, they need to obtain professional assistance with each stage of the recovery process to prevent psychological and physical challenges that impede holistic restoration. Within the treatment setting, patients can attain a wide range of recovery services which restore confidence, diffuse stress, increase self-awareness, etc. Some of the more common services provided within the treatment facility include one-on-one counseling, detoxification, and group therapy.
In many cases, drug addiction goes hand in hand with other addictions. An example would be sex addiction. If you are in need of anxiety and depression support and sex addiction treatment to deal with this issue, note that the professionals of The Center For Growth can provide you with customized recovery solutions.
3. Learn, Learn, Learn.
A third strategy you should definitely integrate into your restorative process is learning as much as you can about drug addiction. Implementing this technique is empowering because the acquisition of knowledge can preclude you from committing common mistakes that prolong addiction and preclude recovery. The knowledge you acquire through independent study can also empower you to become an effective mentor for other individuals once you complete your recovery process. One topic that you might be interested in learning about is why some drug users become addicted to illicit substances while others can use them recreationally without becoming chemically dependent. Some of the common reasons include:
• traumatic life experiences or neglect
• family history of substance abuse
• mental diseases like anxiety and depression
• use of drugs during the early stages of life
• method of use (injection or smoking may increase the drug’s addictive potential)
4. Utilize Self-Care Strategies.
It’s no secret that drug use does deep damage to both the mind and body. Thus while self-care is important for everyone, it is imperative for drug users. By systematically, consistently taking care of your mind and body, you can instill a deep sense of self-love which induces confidence while also reversing the damage created by the presence of harmful substances in your body. Note that there are hundreds and hundreds of self-care strategies that you could implement to achieve these results. Some of them include meditation, massage therapy, and facials. Journaling is also an incredibly powerful form of self-care that can reduce your stress levels and heighten your self-awareness.
Conclusion
Once you’re ready to move beyond the dark, debilitating world of drug addiction, it’s time to develop a strategic plan for recovery. Four strategies that should be a part of your restorative plan are outlined above. Start using them immediately so you can begin leading the amazing, sober life that you deserve to have!