There are certain things you should know about the recovery process of someone addicted to a substance. Check out our guide here on overcoming addiction.
Since 2000, there have been over 700,000 deaths caused by overdose. And of those, around 68% involve an opioid drug.
Regardless of the drug, overcoming addiction isn’t easy. But, if you know someone who is suffering from addiction, there is still hope. The first step is learning more about addiction and recovery so you can better help them in their recovery journey.
Keep reading for a short guide on overcoming addiction.
Every Drug Addiction Is Different
There are Many Different Treatment Options Available
Another important thing to know about overcoming addiction is that there are many different treatment options available. These include inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups like AA or NA.
12-step programs like AA or NA, however, aren’t for everyone. You could view this non 12 step program as a more flexible and individualized approach to recovery. It allows the person to focus on their specific needs and find ways to help themselves understand their own psychological and mental health.
The best recovery plan for someone depends on their specific needs and circumstances. They may need a combination of treatments to successfully overcome their addiction.
Sadly, there is no secret formula for how to overcome addiction. Each drug and person is different, meaning each case of addiction is different.
For example, crack vs cocaine provides different effects and different withdrawal symptoms. The first step is to find out which drug, or drugs, your loved one is addicted to. From there, learn as much about that drug as possible — from the high it provides to the health issues it causes.
The next step in helping someone learn how to stop doing drugs is to help them learn more about themselves. Many people turn to drugs because of an underlying issue in their lives, whether that be a mental illness or traumatic life event. Try to address these underlying issues while helping them quit drugs.
You’ll Suffer Withdrawal Symptoms
Recovery from drug addiction would be much simpler if it didn’t involve a plethora of withdrawal symptoms. But instead, many addicts find themselves searching for a new solution of drugs to combat their withdrawal symptoms.
You should prepare your loved one for the symptoms they’ll feel. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Sweating and dizziness
- Racing heartbeat, shortness of breath
In severe cases, withdrawal can even cause seizures, hallucinations, or stroke. This is why it’s important for a recovering addict to be medically supervised.
You Should Be Medically Supervised
While there are ways how to stop drug addiction without rehab, every addiction recovery should be supervised. There are different recovery treatment plans, from inpatient rehab to outpatient programs.
Inpatient rehabs can have better success because the addict lives at the facility away from outside stressors. But, due to work and family lives, some people need an outpatient program. Either way, they need to attend their rehab sessions and undergo medical supervision to safely recover.
A medical professional is trained to help with withdrawal symptoms. In addition, they are well-trained in addiction and can provide a customized treatment plan to help your loved one stay sober.
Overcoming Addiction Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It
Now that you know how to beat addiction, it’s easy to see that overcoming addiction isn’t easy. But, it is possible.
Start by arming yourself with as much information about your loved one’s addiction as possible. Then, talk to your loved one about supporting them through the recovery process. You want them to know that when they’re ready to overcome addiction, you’ll be right there next to them.
Looking for other ways to improve yourself and loved ones in 2020? Visit the Health or Self-Improvement sections on this site for more great content like this.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
