Though drug addiction is one of the most pressing issues faced by the world today, the prevalence of drugs in American society is alarming. A survey on drug use and health found that 23.5 million people in the US (aged 12 or older) battled substance use disorder in 2009. This menace of drug abuse and addiction costs American society a total of $740 billion annually in lost productivity in workplaces, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs. However, the good thing is that it is a treatable disorder if a person gets the proper support and professional help. Though the treatment is not like one size fits all, it can vary from one person to another. Below are some proven methodologies that can help someone in overcoming drug addiction.
Admit The Problem & Get Professional Help
Substance abuse has now permeated every place across the US, given the rapid rise in recent years. However, it is by no means to suggest that it cannot get cured with the right help. First of all, you have to free yourself from the guilt of seeking professional help and admitting the problem. You will see that acknowledging the problem and willingness to seek help will bring people closer to help you overcome it. Also, the amazing work some institutions do across the country.
While there has been a rise in drug abuse, some rehabilitation centers are doing amazing work to help people overcome this problem. For instance, Florida is a state that is one of the worst hit by drug abuse and has also emerged as a model state for recovery. Out-of-state substance treatment has plenty of benefits as Florida has a robust community, support groups, and plenty of customized programs. The Palm Beach Institute in Florida is one such example of providing excellent treatment programs designed to meet individual needs. The best part is that this center is located in Palm Beach, which means it has a dense view of beaches. According to studies, going to the beach relieves stress and positively influences your brain and mental health.
Know Your “Why”
The path to recovery is never smooth, as there will be a possibility of relapse, resistance, and sometimes barriers. Know that you might not have someone around all the time. It is where having a strong motivation or a “why” helps you stick out the process. Always think about all the goals you set for yourself, your loved ones who supported you, and your purpose in life. It will give you the courage you will need and a positive mindset amidst the inescapable challenge that will come your way.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Although there are multiple therapies out there, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a beneficial treatment. And for treating addictions like food, alcohol, prescription drug addiction, etc. The idea is constructive in identifying problematic thoughts or sensations that may lead to a relapse and detecting harmful actions. It also aids in the identification of trigger situations and coping methods. This hypothesis is particularly beneficial in the treatment of recurring thoughts such as bipolar illness. It can get easily combined with other therapeutic techniques.
Build A New Social Group
Suppose your previous social or friend circle revolved around drug abuse. In that case, it’s high time you joined new support groups or made new connections for a recent change. After you finish an addiction treatment program, joining a new support group, taking a class, attending community events can be instrumental in keeping you on the path of recovery after the treatment.
The right support group offers a platform where you meet a community willing to help you and encourage you throughout the process. There’s a great variety of support groups depending on the substance to demographics tailored to meet individual needs.
Find A New Hobby
Finding a new hobby can be a great distraction when you feel a craving for drugs or alcohol and, at the same time, build your character. Staying busy is possibly the best thing that can happen to you during and after the treatment. Similarly, staying free can be equally dangerous for you. A good hobby can help find joy and purpose in life and replace the past’s unhealthy activities. You should find something that challenges your creativity, sparks imagination or be an old one or something you wanted to do in your childhood. Learning a new foreign language, participating in sports, or playing musical instruments can be a great starting point.
Exercise
Working out is the most critical thing for our body and mind. With improvement in physical health, you will see a positive shift in your mood with time. Therese J. Borchard, a prominent mental health expert, says, “there is no depression buster as effective for me as exercise.” In addition to numerous health and physical benefits, lifting weight and sweating will release endorphins from the body naturally.
Volunteer
Fighting for a cause you genuinely care about is the best approach to boost your inner motivation. While you help others, you also help yourself and give back to the community, find a purpose, meet new people and build healthy connections simultaneously. Moreover, contributing to the betterment of society will provide you with a feel-good factor and help you realize the importance of things in life we often take for granted.
Be Accountable To Someone
Get someone from your family, friends, spouse, or a sponsor at your local rehab center who can look at your progress and keep you in line with it. When a person knows that he is being cared for and gets constant feedback on his performance, it motivates him to carry on. You are less prone to moving back on the recovery path.
Spend Time In Nature
Our minds and body find true solace in nature. It would require a separate article to list down all the benefits of spending time in nature. It is an excellent antidote for stress and boosts our immunity. Among the things you have been doing to recover, a trip to a scenic hike, camping, fishing, and walking through the woods would greatly complement your efforts.
Conclusion
Finally, it would help if you always remembered that a relapse is not the failure of treatment but a part of the process. Ever feel like you are overwhelmed, talk to your therapist, sponsor, or go to see someone. And once you are sober again, go over the relapse or the trigger moment to find out what you can do differently. The key is never to give up and know that you are not alone in this.
