Substance abuse problems can disrupt peoples’ lives and wreak havoc on their physical health, their careers, their social life and their family relationships. Turning the situation around takes considerable self-examination and effort to makes the changes that lead to recovery. Drug and alcohol abuse experts recognize a number of practical tools that individuals can use to help them overcome their addiction.
1. Honesty
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem is the first step for every person who wants to start on the road to recovery. The individual must have a clear understanding of the damage that substance abuse has done to theirs lives and must take the steps necessary to undo that damage. He or she must also be honest with others who have also suffered damaged from the substance abuse. This step is critical to taking control of your life and restoring your relationships with others.
2. Family Support
Once you have admitted your behaviors while under the influence of the substance, you can begin to ask for your loved ones support in breaking free of the addiction. Family support can be a critical in helping the individual find appropriate substance abuse help and is an invaluable source of encouragement on the path to recovery. However, many actions that were taken while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have damaged family relationships, causing distrust, resentment, embarrassment and lingering bad feelings. However, with honesty and professional counseling, these relationships can be repaired, with greater understanding and commitment to helping the substance abuser in their struggle back to normalcy.
3. Entering Rehab
Entering drug and alcohol rehab can help individuals detox from their drug of choice and begin the process of self-examination and change that will restore them to a normal life. Rehab offers a safe refuge, away from the everyday distractions and temptations, to allow individuals the time and space to examine their actions and motivations. In rehab, they can find effective ways to deal with their addiction. Treatment works, and each person’s commitment to recovery is a significant factor in the success of any rehabilitation program.
4. Psychological Therapy
A deep and profound understanding of yourself, your impulses and how you make decisions can help you to avoid relapses and remain in recovery. Psychological counseling can often uncover unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior. Having an experienced counselor to talk to on a regular basis as you return to normal living can aid in recovery.
5. Changing Patterns
Once you are on the road to recovery, you will have to stay alert to all the triggers that once caused you to indulge your addiction. Those struggling with substance abuse must often change their social circles and their environment to ensure that they can avoid these triggers and stay clean of drugs and alcohol. Although these changes can sometimes be difficult, they are necessary to ensure successful recovery.
With these five tools, you can begin to restructure your life into positive avenues for success.
Karleia is a freelance blogger. Away from the office she enjoys spending time with her two daughters.