Drug addiction is a treatable disorder, and with the right help, you can overcome it and get your life back. This step-by-step guide will provide you with tips for coping with cravings and treating relapses, so you can start your journey to recovery. Quitting drugs or alcohol can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health, reduce the risk of chronic illness, help you repair relationships and family life, prevent further negative consequences at work or school, increase your energy levels, improve your appearance and save money. The American Addiction Centers are here to help you do that.
The severity of the addiction and the drugs or drugs used will influence the treatment plan that is likely to work best. Treatment that addresses the specific situation and any concurrent medical, psychiatric and social problems is optimal for leading to long-term recovery and preventing relapses. Only you can decide to overcome an addiction. Quitting smoking is a gradual process that often requires several attempts.
Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, but don't lose hope if things are difficult for you. Whether you have a problem with illegal or prescription drugs, addiction treatment must be tailored to your particular situation. Addictive behaviors have similar neurological and psychological processes and create rewarding feelings and sensations, so addictive replacement behaviors are common among those trying to overcome an addiction. Sober living homes offer a safe and supportive place to live while you recover from drug addiction.
Having goals to work toward and something to look forward to can be a powerful antidote to drug addiction. Fortunately, addiction can be treated, and there are things you can do to improve your success in overcoming addiction. In general, the longer and more intense your drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment you'll need. However, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains, relapse doesn't mean treatment has failed. After addressing your immediate addiction problems and starting treatment, you'll still have to deal with the problems that led to your drug abuse. Drug addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), occurs when a person continues to use a drug despite harmful consequences for their daily functioning, relationships, or health.
The diagnosis of drug addiction (substance use disorder) requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Your treatment depends on the medication used and any related medical or mental health conditions you may have. Drug and alcohol detoxification programs prepare a person for treatment in a safe, controlled environment where withdrawal symptoms (and any physical or mental health complications) can be controlled. Research shows that when treating opioid addictions (prescription pain relievers or medications such as heroin or fentanyl), medications should be the first line of treatment, usually combined with some type of behavioral therapy or counseling. If a person consumes the same amount of medication as before quitting smoking, they can easily overdose because their body is no longer adapted to its previous level of exposure to the drug. The key to overcoming an addiction is getting professional help for substance abuse. With the right support system in place, you can start your journey towards recovery today.
