Congratulations. By reading this article, you’re one step closer to overcoming drug addiction.
While it may seem like an impossible journey now, don’t give up. Even the longest trails start with one small step.
Hopefully, you’ll find that step below. Read on to take it one step at a time.
1. Decide to Recover
As with most things in life, forcing something isn’t the best way to fix it. The addict themselves must decide when they’re ready for help.
That doesn’t mean you can’t give or accept a push in the right direction. Experts, like those at the Sunrise House in NJ, believe recovery takes internal and external motivation.
What does that motivation look like? Different things work for different people.
Some addicts find the motivation to recover by thinking about
- Spending more time with family
- Gaining control over their lives
- Feeling proud again
- Not wanting to hurt loved ones
2. Learn Your Triggers
Learning your triggers is essential for overcoming drug addiction.
A trigger is something that drives you to use. They can be as simple as walking by a liquor store or as complex as an abusive relationship.
As a rule of thumb, addicts should avoid places where they used to use and friends who don’t support the recovery journey.
Sometimes, the world isn’t so black and white. If you find yourself facing a trigger, do whatever it takes to get you out of that situation.
If you can’t leave, tell someone you trust that you’re feeling triggered. They can keep you accountable and on the road to recovery.
3. Change Your Environment
Like we discussed above, triggers come in all forms. Some of those forms are people you like or even love.
Cutting ties with these people will be difficult and may feel like the last thing you want to do. Tell them why you need to take a break from them and stick to your word.
If they’re invested in you as a person, they’ll (eventually) understand. If they don’t, it’s okay to be sad, but don’t let them hold you back from a sober life.
4. Find a Mentor
The first time you do something sober that you’ve always done while using is scary as hell. It’s a type of scary that non-addicts don’t understand.
This is where a mentor (or, yes, sponsor) comes in. They can walk you through the situation with their unique personal perspective.
The road to recovery is a journey that takes much love and support.
5. Beleive In Yourself
Yes, this step sounds trite but it’s essential.
Believing that you can overcome your disease will help you get better. It’s scientifically proven!
Overcoming Drug Addiction: Staying Successful
Unfortunately, there are many addicts who stay sober for a few years then fall back into bad habits. We don’t want you to be one of them.
You can avoid this by following the steps above and never letting your addiction-wary guard down.
If you’re feeling triggered, try a tried and true stress relief technique or confiding in a loved one.
Recovery is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but we promise it’ll be worth it.