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Addiction is a terrible disease that affects millions of people around the globe. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, you already know how devastating it can be. But you should know that there’s hope. There are effective treatments and therapies out there that can help you overcome your addiction.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is defined as using any drug or alcohol for non-medical purposes. Also, this includes illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription medications, etc. Some people also abuse over-the-counter products like cough syrup, pain relievers, and legal substances like alcohol and tobacco.
On the other hand, another dilemma that comes with substance abuse is that it often leads to other health problems. For instance, you may experience headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
Meanwhile, alcoholics have an increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, ulcers, and cancer. Likewise, tobacco users face higher risks of stroke, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Addiction Treatment Centers
Addiction treatment centers, such as Insight Northwest Counseling in Portland Oregon, are designed to help individuals recover from substance abuse. These facilities typically offer counseling, group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and detoxification. They usually consist of residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs
An inpatient rehabilitation program is similar to an addiction treatment center but is located at a hospital instead of a private residence. Most rehabs require you to attend daily meetings and participate in various activities. You’ll also receive medical care while you’re on this program.
- Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs
An outpatient rehab program allows you to continue living at home while receiving treatment. However, you’ll still need to attend regular meetings and participate in various activities. Nevertheless, outpatient rehabs tend to be less expensive than inpatient rehabs.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs are similar to outpatient rehabs, but they last longer. Typically, you’ll spend about six months participating in weekly sessions. Afterward, you’ll go back to your normal routine.
When you decide to go into drug rehab or addiction treatment center, there are several things you need to consider, such as:
- Do you have insurance? If not, then you may need to pay out of pocket.
- Will you be able to afford the cost of treatment?
- Are you willing to put up with long waiting lists?
- Do you know if the rehab center accepts Medicaid?
You must answer these questions before making any final decisions. After all, addiction treatment isn’t cheap.
How To Get Through Treatment And Recovery
Substance abuse can be treated effectively. But getting through treatment and recovery successfully requires commitment and dedication. Significantly, you’ll need to make changes in your lifestyle and habits.
Here are some tips to help you get through treatment and recovery:
1. Recognize The Problem
The first step and half of the battle to overcome addiction is admitting that you have a problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you hit rock bottom before you realize that you need help.
Meanwhile, most people don’t admit they have an issue because they feel ashamed or embarrassed about their actions. They think they can handle it themselves and avoid seeking professional assistance. But the truth is, you cannot overcome addiction alone. It’s okay to be afraid. But fear shouldn’t keep you from seeking help.
2. Seek Professional Help
You might be tempted to try to solve your problems on your own. But solving them alone could only lead to more serious consequences than you ever imagined. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Many different types of substance abuse treatments are available today. Each one offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Medication Management
Many substance abuse patients struggle with depression and anxiety. Medications can help alleviate these conditions so that you can focus on recovery. Many treatment centers and mental health clinics offer this method.
- 12-Step Program
It’s probably the most well-known form of treatment. It was developed by AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) founder Bill Wilson back in 1935. It consists of 12 steps that teach you how to live a sober life.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on helping patients change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It enables you to identify what triggers your addictive behavior and teaches you how to cope with those situations without turning to drugs or alcohol.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
This approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness meditation. It aims to help you recognize when you’re engaging in self-destructive behaviors and learn ways to restrain yourself before you act on impulse.
- Therapeutic Communities
These facilities offer a structured environment where you can get support from others going through the same thing. This treatment option is ideal and recommended for people who want to abstain after leaving the facility.
When deciding which is the right treatment option for you, remember that each has its own pros and cons. Whatever option you choose, remember that you deserve to live a healthy life without worrying about drugs and alcohol. The decision should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and needs. So, take action now and start down the path to recovery.
3. Be Honest With Your Doctor About Your Past
It may seem difficult for you to get sober, but it won’t be if you’re honest with your doctor. Nevertheless, it’ll be much harder to recover if you lie to them.
Essentially, your mental healthcare provider needs to know everything about your history. This includes whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with other mental health issues or diseases. If you’ve had previous drug use, tell your doctor what substances you used and how often.
4. Set Goals For The Future
Another important part of recovering from addiction is setting goals for the future. You should set realistic goals for yourself. Setting goals helps you stay focused and motivated throughout your recovery. It also gives you something to look forward to. When you do things you love, you’ll feel better about yourself.
For instance, you might want to return to school or find a job. Or maybe you just want to enjoy life again. Make a list of your recovery goals and place them somewhere where you can see them every day.
5. Get A Solid Support System
A support system is necessary when trying to recover from addiction. Having someone who cares about you and wants to help you succeed is priceless. Hence, look around and ask friends and family members if they’d be willing to help you. You can also reach out to local organizations offering support groups and counseling.
Many communities nowadays offer support, and you don’t need to do it alone. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are great places to meet people who share your same struggles. You can also browse and join online forums and chat rooms where you can talk with others going through the same thing.
6. Take Care Of Yourself And Keep Healthy
You must also keep healthy and take good care of yourself while completing your treatment plan. After all, you spent a long time going through rehab and detoxing. You deserve to feel better than ever before.
To achieve good health and maintain a good state of mind, the following tips will help:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat well.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take breaks throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the brain also plays a huge role in addiction. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your mind healthy. That way, you’ll be less likely to relapse. One way to do this is to make sure you spend quality time reading books and magazines each week.
Another idea is to listen to music while exercising. Both activities stimulate your brain and give you something else to focus on besides your addiction.
7. Stay Away From Temptation
Temptations come in different forms, including food, sex, gambling, shopping, and even social media. These temptations can cause you to think about using drugs or alcohol. Staying away from temptation is one of the most challenging parts of recovery. But, if you stick to it, you’ll eventually overcome your addiction.
On the other hand, you can avoid these temptations by eating healthier foods instead of giving in to alcohol. You can also look for alternatives to keep your mind occupied, such as finding a hobby or returning to your old passion.
8. Do Not Give Up On Yourself
Lastly, don’t give up on yourself. It’s easy to fall back when struggling with addiction. But, if you stay strong and work hard, you’ll eventually beat your addiction.
Research shows that people who successfully complete an addiction treatment program are more likely to live longer lives than those who didn’t. So, don’t let your addiction hold you back from living a happy and fulfilling life.
Final Thoughts
Addiction recovery isn’t easy. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can finally start living a substance-free life again. Just always remember that you have a choice.
On the other hand, if crying for help has become too much to handle, you can always call your local healthcare provider. They can help you get the assistance you need to begin your journey toward sobriety.
Author Bio
Megan Betts is a wellness coach with over 12 years of experience. She helps individuals achieve their wellness goals through writing blogs and conducting seminars. Megan also loves traveling whenever she’s free.
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