Opioids are pain relievers typically prescribed to treat individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illness. While these drugs are effective in relieving pain, they are also highly addictive. As such, overcoming opiate addiction can be incredibly difficult. The following are four essential steps to break an opiate addiction.
Overcoming opiates begins with making the decision to stop using. Substance abuse can affect anyone and addiction is a real disorder that requires professional help. Acknowledging that you have a substance use disorder is the first step in getting the help you need to overcome this addiction.
Opiates are highly addictive, making them incredibly challenging to stop using. As you endeavor to end your addiction, it’s essential that you get professional help from an addiction recovery treatment center. During treatment, you’ll be able to undergo medically assisted detox to help you overcome the physical withdrawal symptoms as your body detoxes.
Once you’ve successfully detoxed, the next step in treatment is to unlearn all the negative habits and beliefs that helped to facilitate your substance use disorder. Over a series of weeks or months in treatment, you’ll grow accustomed to sobriety as you learn to adjust your behavior and mindset to one that doesn't rely on substance abuse.
Peer pressure and codependent relationships can contribute to drug addiction. As you make the personal decision to get sober, it’s important that you distance yourself from anyone in your life that will encourage you to do the opposite. For example, if you live with family or friends that are still abusing opiates, it’s important to remove yourself from this situation as soon as possible. Consider moving into a halfway house or sober living home to get a change of environment as you continue your recovery journey.
In addition to watching who you spend time with, it’s also important that your environment is substance-free as well. Get rid of any paraphernalia that reminds you of using opiates or that that may trigger you to use again.
Support systems are essential for long-term recovery from opiates. As you receive treatment, you’ll be able to connect with others in your group therapy classes as well as support groups like AA. Once treatment is over, it’s important to continue to seek support from a mentor or other sober friends that understand your commitment to a substance-free lifestyle.
Overcoming opiate addiction takes time. Decide to break your addiction today and get started on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.