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Are you addicted? Are you struggling with losing control of your daily activities or the use of a substance? Sometimes it takes more than willpower to overcome the problem.
Many people are addicted to activities other than alcohol or drugs. Activities that consume much of your daily routine such as eating, sex, gambling, work, exercise, the internet, even playing video games can be a problem. But addiction to alcohol, chemical substances, illegal and prescription drugs are even more problematic.
In many cases, a person who is addicted:
- Feels that he or she needs to use a substance in order to perform a normal activity.
- Needs to consume more of a substance over time to get the same results.
- Uses a substance or engages in a behavior over and over.
- Continues using a substance or engages in an activity, even secretly, knowing that it causes problems.
- Finds it difficult to stop without outside help.
The good news is that you can recover! Here are a few ideas on how to get started on the road to recovery:
- Admit that you have a problem and make a commitment to change.
- Talk to someone you can trust and who will lend their support. Like a spouse, relative, close friend, or your spiritual leader.
- Seek help. Find out about treatment plans that are available for your addiction.
There are many benefits to recovering from an addiction:
- Recovering from addiction can renew your health and happiness and bring peace of mind.
- It will improve your relationships with family, friends and co-workers.
- It will improve your financial security.
- It will improve your physical and mental health.
- You will experience greater self-esteem and pride in yourself.
You may be wondering how your addiction will be treated:
- It will depend on the individual and the addiction.
- Many people benefit from self-help groups. This is a good way for a person to get support and encouragement from other recovering individuals.
- Others prefer professional counseling. Individual and group therapy both offer help in overcoming an addiction.
- Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs may be best. Rehabilitation treatment centers offer varying lengths of stay or levels of participation, depending on the type and severity of an individual’s addiction.
Treatment for alcohol and substance addictions may include:
- Relaxation Techniques
- Acupuncture
- Drug Testing
- Health Education
- Drug Therapy
- Nutrition Counseling
Going it alone is the wrong approach. Getting treatment is essential to recovering successfully.
It is important to remember that recovery is a continuous process during recovery:
Develop new interests. Join a club. Start a new hobby or volunteer. New interests can help you stay away from your addiction.
Beware that you don’t substitute one addiction for another. It’s easy for an individual who is addicted to one substance to become addicted to another. The sure way to prevent this from happening is to completely refrain from all drugs and avoid places that serve alcohol.
Take especially good care of yourself. Exercise regularly. Take walks. Breathe properly. (Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.)
Be patient with yourself as you adjust to a healthier lifestyle.
Don’t be afraid to express your feelings. Talk with your spouse, friends, relatives or counselor if you are having difficulties with recovery or if something in your life is bothering you.
If a loved-one has an addiction, you can offer support and encouragement. Don’t blame yourself. You are not responsible for your loved-one’s addiction or for treating it. Sometimes feelings of guilt, anger or blame arise. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from others.
Don’t try to solve your loved-one’s problem. It’s always hard to see a loved-one in pain. An individual often needs to feel the painful effects of their addiction. Otherwise they might not ever seek help. Join a self-help group. They can offer support to families of people with addictions. For example, Al-Anon Family Group help people who have been affected by someone else’s alcohol addiction.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s Referral Service 1-800-662-HELP.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life. Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar and related topics.