Most people know that addiction, can be overcome with treatment. But like many other diseases, it is often a winding road to get there. So, what are the steps to a healthier, drug-free life?
Seek treatment. The first step to recovery is to decide to seek treatment. It’s hard for people to recognize or admit they have a problem, even when they are putting their lives – or the lives of others – at risk. It doesn’t help that the brain’s decision-making center is impaired when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Treatment may mean medications, behavioral counseling, or a combination of the two.
Learn new habits. Relapse (or returning to drug use) is common with addiction and is an expected part of treatment. Returning to the people, places, or things associated with former drug use can actually trigger relapse—before the addicted person is even aware of it. Behavioral therapy can teach the person in recovery to avoid these triggers and learn new coping skills so they can make better decisions.
Take it one step at a time. Recovery takes time. Treatment works best when it is long-term, at least 90 days in most cases. And because people treated for drug addiction are vulnerable to relapse even after they’ve been off drugs for a long while, most treatment professionals would say that someone with a past drug or alcohol problem is “in recovery” for a lifetime.
Find treatment. If you are interested in finding drug abuse treatment for yourself or a friend or family member, look up facilities near you by using the Substance Abuse Facility Treatment Locator, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
Comments
Thanks for your post on teenagers and addiction. Alcohol is the drug of choice for most teenagers. About half of all high school students drink alcohol monthly. Unfortunately, there are plenty of teens who suffer from alcoholism or alcohol abuse. The primary reason they don't get help is denial. The parents of teens often fail to recognize that their children may be abusing alcohol. This is largely due to the fact that alcoholism is rarely associated to teenagers. It's important to note, that alcoholism can affect anyone. It doesn't discriminate and teenagers are just as vulnerable to it as anyone else is.
Best to you,
Carolyn
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MY DA IS ADDICTED TO ACOHOL. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IS THAT WEN THEIR DRUNK THEY OFFTEN SEEM TO FORGET A LOT LIKE WHAT THEY MIGHT OF SED
Don't do drugs.
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How about if a person begins to frequent old places associated with drinking/drugging or begins associating with old friends still using.
Hi Sara your articles are amazing, we love to read them and paa them along to clients and friends.
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Let's all take time to remember it's National Alcohol and Drug addiction Recovery this month (every Sept). Substance abuse addictions are spiraling out of control these days especially now with prescription drug dependencies. It's unfortunate that many rehab centers focus only on getting a person off their substance. There are facilities out there, however, that taper an individual off their addiction first while teaching them new and healthy habits such as weight training, martial arts, healthy eating habits, and learning new skills.
just say NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
If you need a treatment center check this out.
“Finding a treatment program that meets your needs can provide an enriching experience, one that hopefully will change your life forever. When the time is right for you or your loved one to take the next step and pursue drug or alcohol treatment, make the best decision possible, and then trust in those around you, your treatment team and your peers, to help you reach your goals in recovery.”
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Just bookmarked your site! Ill be back to check out your future postings.. thanks !! very helpful post pleasing awesome fantastic. [commercial link removed, per guidelines]
i know drugs are used for fun but peeps this chemical can make you mad;last weak i used cantine b4 i wrote my chemistry exam my head was all over the place and i could not even study it can stay on your mind almost 24hour and you are being undr it control.we all need friends but those who put you on drugs say helllllllll noooooooooooooooo they dont give a dam
Thanks for the post. I got help from a sober living called New Life House. It is a place for young adults who have problems with drugs and alcohol. Check out their site if you are looking for help. [commercial link removed, per guidelines]
Thanks for the amazing steps to follow in recovery time. I have come across a great website help in overcoming drug addiction check it: [commercial link removed, per guidelines]
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