An addiction problem can take a toll on your life. It can get to the point where it may lead to fatal consequences. If you’re reading this seven step guide, it’s important to know of one thing: it’s never too late to get the help you need.
Visiting a North Carolina detox facility like New Waters Recovery will be able to direct you towards a better, addiction-free life. To do that, you’ll want to know whether or not you have an addiction problem.
Let’s take a look now at the following seven step guide below.
Contents
1. Recognize that you have a problem
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The first thing about defeating an addiction is recognizing one exists. Acknowledging that you have an issue with substance abuse will be on you. Even if people have to point it out for you.
You need to understand that such an issue will be noticeable when you are using substances excessively. Your negative behavior and consistent experience of negative consequences can also be part of it as well.
The reality is that many people may be aware that they have a problem. Some may refuse to acknowledge it. Thus, this first step can be a challenge for many.
Remind them that their addiction can lead to fatal consequences. It can hurt their families and friends. The pain of a person no longer being alive due to addiction will reverberate for as long as their loved ones live.
The reality is that many people may be aware that they have a problem. Some may refuse to acknowledge it. Thus, this first step can be a challenge for many. However, quitting immediately with no plan can make things worse, and an alcohol detox becomes necessary if you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms.
2. Learn about the dangers of addiction
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Whether you are in the early stages or have dealt with it for a while, education is key. You’ll want to learn about addiction and how dangerous the consequences can be. The more you learn about how addiction can affect your physical and mental health, the more aware you’ll be.
It might be enough for you to realize that addiction is not something to live with. You’ll also learn about how your addiction might have happened. Are you dealing with past trauma or mental disorders?
Or did you develop an addiction because you did drugs to have a good time? There may be a reason why your addiction exists. If you used substances for self-medication due to mental disorder or trauma, you’ll want to learn more about dual diagnosis.
This is defined as being diagnosed with a mental illness and addiction at the same time. In most cases, a person may not have had a prior diagnosis for their disorder. An assessment will be done to determine whether you have an addiction (or a mental disorder).
After this, it’s time to move on to the next step.
3. Seek professional help
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Seeking professional help will be the next option. This will depend on your personal treatment needs. For example, if you are dealing with a dual diagnosis, you will have a plan designed for tackling both your addiction and mental disorder.
It is important that both of these are taken care of. It would be a mistake to forego mental disorder treatment in favor of fully focusing on beating your addiction. In fact, doing so will make overcoming the latter a challenge.
Therefore, it is important to follow your treatment plan. This includes regular therapy. To make it easier, one will be assigned to handle your substance abuse issue.
Meanwhile, the other will need to focus on your mental disorder. You should never meet with a counselor who wears multiple ‘hats’. This can make the treatment process complicated.
The other part of your treatment plan includes detoxification and medication (if applicable). Your most severe addiction can be treated in an inpatient facility. That’s because you’ll face the prospect of severe withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal if unattended to.
4. Make a plan
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During the treatment process, you’ll want to make a plan to help you tackle your addiction. This includes reducing the amount of cravings and avoiding triggers. Developing and maintaining healthy coping mechanisms will be a must.
Long after your treatment is complete, you’ll want to maintain that ability. Life after addiction treatment can be rewarding. Yet, the possibility of relapse can still exist.
Knowing the coping mechanisms and using them to your advantage will reduce the likelihood of relapse. In the event if you do relapse, you’ll need a plan that you have to follow.
5. Join a support group
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A support group will consist of people who have fought their own addictions. It also includes friends and family members of those who are fighting addiction or have lost their lives to it. Everyone has a story to share about addiction.
You will be able to share commonalities and emphasize with them. You’ll feel a sense of community with a group of people who will understand what you’re going through.
6. Make self care a priority
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Self-care is important whether you deal with addiction or overcome it. Make sure you exercise regularly, eat right, and get a good amount of sleep each night. You will notice plenty of changes for the better when you’re treating your addiction and overcome it.
The sooner you plan your self-care routine, the more detailed it can get. At the same time, you’ll want to slowly put everything into practice. Consistent practice always equals habit.
7. Stay committed
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Overcoming addiction lasts as long as long as you live. If you stay committed to your self-care plan, help others beat their addiction, and live your best life, nothing can stop you.
You will look back knowing you’ve made the right decision. If you are feeling like things aren’t going well during the day, know that you have someone to talk to. It can be a therapist, a friend, family member, or anyone who is willing to lend an ear.
Know that substances are never a good idea. Know what your coping mechanisms are and put them to good use. You’ll feel better that you have the best alternatives to substances that will take you back down that dark, familiar path.
