It’s common for those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) to perceive addiction as a myth and think that they can easily quit. Overcoming it is usually more challenging than you might expect. What happens is that substance abuse often changes the way the brain works, making it start relying on them to produce enough feel-good chemicals. This then results in the temptation to keep on using them to get high or attain the desired effect.
This is common with behavioral addictions relating to various lifestyle habits like eating and sex. Over time, it is the frequent cravings and powerful urges that make overcoming addiction difficult. Nothing is easy about quitting something your body and brain have become entirely dependent on. Once you decide to quit, it would be best to reach out for help.
Addiction Barriers
It would be a mistake to say that addiction is a condition that can be treated like conventional illnesses like the common cold, there are numerous treatment options available to help manage and overcome it. Even after receiving treatment, addicts eventually must proceed on their own. But this solo journey into an addiction-free future isn’t always easy, as the addict is still vulnerable to different triggers that cause relapse.
That is why overcoming addiction is crucial for anyone struggling with SUD. While you might have to face several treatment barriers along the way, here are more tips to help you understand the process and avoid some potentially risky situations.
Withdrawal
Drug abuse often changes the body and brain chemistry, making you dependent on their presence to keep the internal system balanced. When addicts first stop using these substances, it is common for their bodies to become violently ill as it tries to avoid the abrupt absence of the substance.
In medical terms, this condition is commonly known as drug withdrawal, and it refers to symptoms that patients experience right after they stop using drugs or alcohol. Although withdrawal symptoms often vary in severity, it is common for patients to exhibit various emotional and physical manifestations like sleeplessness, restlessness, depression, and anxiety, among others.
Withdrawal can sometimes lead to potentially life-threatening complications. It is not an easy phase to go through all by yourself. So, be sure to seek medical help or supervision for a safe, comfortable, and successful withdrawal. Many rehab facilities offer this kind of support, which enables addiction treatment industries to provide successful long-term outcomes.
Staying in Treatment
Many SUD treatments are available today to help addicts reduce or stop substance abuse, improve their health, and prevent relapse. These treatments generally refer to a service or services that may include counseling, medication, or any other kind of support designed to help addicts to eliminate or reduce substance use, address associated health problems, and fully restore their functional abilities.
Although addiction treatments often vary based on drug type, patients must stay in treatment to fully recover from addiction. But since the journey to recovery is filled with frequent powerful cravings, you can use certain medications and mobile apps to help readapt the brain away from substance dependence. This will help manage the cravings, allowing you to concentrate on treatment and recover from an addiction fully.
Preventing Relapse
It is common for anyone struggling with addiction to relapse at least once in their recovery journey. Some even relapse multiple times before finally getting sober. But since it happens gradually, the key to preventing relapse is understanding all underlying triggers and having a plan to manage or avoid them.
Given that stress and other environmental cues like coming into contact with the associated substance are some of the top triggers for relapse, you should avoid situations that make you stressed out or remind you of substance abuse.
While it is hard to eliminate everything and avoid everyone, treatment facilities like Massachusetts rehab centers teach patients how to listen to their bodies, identify stress triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Equipped To Face a Challenge
Overcoming addiction is not always easy. Drugs and other substance abuse often rewire the brain and make you dependent on them to “feel good” or get high. They tend to alter your body chemistry and brain functionality, pushing you to keep on coming back for more.
But the good news is that SUD is treatable and manageable, as long as you are committed to overcoming it. Although the road to recovery is usually long, complex, and can be lonely, this decision must start with you.
This will help you prepare to face withdrawal symptoms without fear, stay in treatment, and prevent relapse. In other words, this equips you to successfully navigate through the most challenging parts of SUD treatment and recovery.