Drug addiction is a chronic, serious disease that can take over your life. While it may be hard to admit that you have a problem, seeking help is an important first step toward recovery.
Most people who abuse drugs become addicted because of a change in their brain chemistry. The substances flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine, which triggers feelings of pleasure.
Recognize Your Triggers
Knowing how to recognize your triggers is the first step in avoiding relapse. Triggers are social, environmental, or emotional situations that remind you of drug or alcohol use in the past and can bring about urges to use again.
Relapse triggers are not the only factor in relapse. Stress is another major risk factor that increases the chances of relapse and can be avoided by practicing preventive self-care and using coping skills whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Some people are more sensitive to specific objects that remind them of substance abuse, such as syringes, wine glasses, pill bottles and pipes. Removing these items from your home can help you avoid the temptation to relapse.
A therapist can help you identify and cope with addiction triggers. They may also teach you new coping strategies and increase your awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. They can also teach you how to view sobriety in a positive way and enjoy life without drugs or alcohol.
Create a Daily Routine
A daily routine gives you a structure for your day, helps you avoid triggers and improves your mood. It also provides the necessary discipline to make it through tough times in recovery.
Creating a daily routine can be hard after leaving the treatment environment, but it is an essential part of achieving long-term sobriety. A routine can include waking up and going to bed at specific times, eating nutritious meals, cleaning, exercising and participating in hobbies that are sober-friendly.
In addition, a daily routine can help treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. It can also reduce boredom, which is a common cause of depression.
A good starting point for a positive daily routine is to focus on what you want in life, what will make you happy. This could be something as simple as making a gratitude list each morning.
Make a Commitment to Yourself
One of the best ways to overcome drug addiction is by making a commitment to yourself. This can be anything from taking a long walk every morning to learning a new skill or starting a new hobby.
The important thing is to commit to something that will make you feel good, safe, and happy. The more you practice this, the easier it will be to stay sober and committed to your recovery goals.
When you get a craving, remind yourself of your commitment and choose recovery instead. You may have to do this many times before it becomes a habit, but it will be worth it in the end.
When you’re in a recovery program, it’s normal to experience feelings of loneliness, stress, frustration, anger, shame, or anxiety. These emotions are all natural parts of the recovery process, and they’re an essential part of maintaining your sobriety.
Find Support
If you or a loved one has a drug addiction, you can help them get treatment. First, you need to get them screened for a substance use disorder by a physician or other health care professional.
Secondly, you can encourage them to go to drug rehab. This can be a good way to restore self-confidence and build new social relationships.
You can also join a support group for drug addiction, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups are known for their “buddy system,” where members check in with a sponsor at every meeting.
Many people have found recovery through these programs. Often, these programs are coupled with therapy and inpatient treatment.
