From Struggle to Strength and Rebuilding Your Life After Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a downward spiral. At first, you may believe that you have command over your consumption, but eventually, the reverse is true. It’s bad for your health and your relationships. If you are here because you want to recover from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are taking the first step in the right direction.
It takes a lot of strong character and determination to beat an addiction to drugs or alcohol. As long as the desire to improve originates from the inside, there is always hope for a full recovery. Substance abuse recovery is not a simple process, but it is possible. If they manage it, you can too.
How to Get Started on the Road to Recovery from Substance Abuse Disorder
Admit You Have An Issue
Admitting that one has a problem with substance abuse is the first step toward recovery. You know it’s time to get sober when you start experiencing issues in your professional life, everyday functioning, relationships, and personal life as a result of your addiction. Nobody but yourself can make this change. It’s difficult to fix a problem when its presence is denied, regardless of how many individuals try to help.
Get Ready for the Transition
As you become aware of the issue, you can start to make plans for the inevitable shift. Think about the positive effects the shift will have on your life in terms of health, relationships, and work. Plan the transition with clear and measurable objectives. Consider why your prior efforts to abstain from drugs or alcohol failed.
For instance, if you go to the bar every night as a means of dealing with the loss of a loved one, you should stop doing that and start mourning healthily. Other options include participating in a support group, consulting a mental health professional, or engaging in constructive pursuits. Surround yourself with encouraging people as you get ready for the transition. Share your plan with close friends and family members who can offer support.
Conceive a Strategy for Conquering the Temptation
The ‘urge period’ is a normal part of recovery from substance misuse. You need that ‘good feeling’ now more than ever, especially if you’re dealing with a tough situation in your life. Make a plan for how you’ll handle the urge before you feel it. You can make a list of potential diversions, such as taking up a new hobby or getting some exercise. Bring a friend or family member along if you know you’ll be tempted to take drugs or alcohol when you’re alone.
Keep Away From Situations That Could Lead to Drug Use
If you want to make a real transformation, you need to cut ties with anyone or anywhere that enabled your drug usage. If you’re attempting to stay sober, it’s best to avoid places where alcohol is served and people who enjoy drinking. Get close to loved ones and friends who can support you as you work to overcome your addiction. Once you’ve decided to make a change in your life, researching your treatment choices for substance abuse is the next step. Remember that no treatment works for everyone as you weigh your options.
Learn About Your Treatment Alternatives for Substance Abuse Problems
Treatment alternatives for substance use disorders are available once the decision to get sober has been made. While the best course of action for treating substance abuse addiction may vary by substance type, the following are some of the most promising approaches:
- A Detox: Detoxification is a procedure used to rid the body of toxins caused by drug or alcohol use. The individual may have withdrawal symptoms following detoxification. Therefore, it is crucial to participate in a detox programme while under the care of a detox professional.
- Medication: Your doctor may recommend antidepressants or other medications to help with the symptoms of withdrawal or other mental health issues. Except in cases of prescription drug addiction, the purpose is to address any preexisting mental health condition.
- Counselling: Substance abuse of any form can benefit from behavioural counselling, which is meeting with a therapist for either individual or group therapy. Understanding the causes of alcohol and drug misuse is best accomplished via therapy. Counselling can aid in relationship restoration and the management of stress and anger when the underlying causes of substance abuse are addressed.
- Rehabilitation Programmes: There is a wide variety of drug treatment programmes available. You can check into a treatment facility for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months as part of a residential treatment programme. Those in need of less intensive medical care than full hospitalisation can participate in a day treatment programme or a partial hospitalisation programme. In addition, there are relapse-prevention-focused outpatient programmes.
- Join a Community: Sober living communities are another choice, as residents can socialise with others who are also clean and sober. Your recovery from substance misuse can go more rapidly in such a secure and encouraging setting.
- Attending Support Groups: Enrolling in telemedicine therapy, and seeking in-person assistance are all examples of long-term follow-up care that can monitor progress and aid in the prevention of relapse.
To Conclude
Learn appropriate coping mechanisms for stress and keep up with long-term recovery assistance for substance use disorders. You don’t want to find yourself back at the beginning of the relapse addiction cycle.
Seeking professional help for mental health issues can increase the likelihood that you will be able to overcome your addiction and live a drug-free life. Recovering from alcohol or drug abuse requires learning coping mechanisms and enrolling in family therapy.
Consultation in mental health is useful for more than just stopping a relapse. We Do Recover offers teletherapy consulting appointments for people who are ready to make positive changes in their lives. If you don’t face your substance abuse problem alone, recovery is closer than you believe. Remind yourself of how much better your life will be if you’ve successfully kicked your drug habit. Click here to book an appointment with Changes Rehab counsellors in Joburg.
Although overcoming drug and alcohol addictions may seem like an overwhelming challenge, you are not traveling this path alone. RelapsePrevention and SouthafricaRehab.co.za in Joburg, two of Johannesburg’s top rehab services, are here to support and direct you along the way.
The first and most important step is admitting that you need assistance. It’s time to get help if using drugs or alcohol is having an adverse effect on your well-being, relationships, or day-to-day activities. You can be sure that these rehab services will provide you with compassionate, thorough support and a lifeline to a happier, healthier life.
These platforms provide individualized treatment plans because they recognize that everyone’s road to sobriety is different. Their all-encompassing approach ensures that you get the best care possible by addressing every area of your life that addiction has affected. There are many different types of treatment options, including outpatient programs that allow for flexibility with work and family obligations and inpatient services that provide round-the-clock support.
Last but not least, maintaining recovery after rehab is essential. With their aftercare services, you’ll receive ongoing support in your dedication to sobriety. Never forget that beating addiction is a testament to your strength and fortitude, not a sign of weakness. Right here in Johannesburg, you have the power to take back control and create a brighter, healthier future for yourself.
