How to Overcome Substance Abuse
Many people who use illicit substances want to stop, but do not know how to. For some, overcoming substance abuse seems like a challenging task that will be too difficult to accomplish. Overcoming substance abuse is not something that happens overnight, but it is possible to achieve with the right support systems in place and a personal goal for recovery. Keep in mind that the road to recovery is not always a straight line, and there may be times that you experience relapses, bumps, pitfalls and self-doubt. However, keeping your focus on the goal of sobriety can get you through the tough times.
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Instructions
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Make the decision to overcome substance abuse. It may be that a significant event occurred in your life that makes you want to stop using substances, or you just want to stop because you are worried about your health. Whatever the reason is, keep that reason alive and use it as your motivation to make a change.
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List the benefits of overcoming substance abuse and review the list periodically. Career, health, finances and relationships may be among the top benefits that you identify for no longer using substances.
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Set goals for yourself. Make the goals specific and measurable so that they can be easily tracked for progress. An example of a measurable goal is to become sober by a particular date. By setting a date, you are giving yourself a way to measure and track your progress.
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Seek support. It is difficult to overcome something as serious as substance abuse all on your own. Support systems can help you work through the tough times, keep your eye on your goals and be there to help you stay motivated. Support options include substance abuse recovery groups, family, friends, spiritual leaders and substance abuse counselors.
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Explore your options for treatment. Different treatment options exist to give individuals their choice of what will work best for them. It might be that you want to participate in an outpatient recovery group, go to an inpatient clinic for detox or, depending on the type of substances you are addicted to, you could find psychiatrists to prescribe you pharmacological treatment. For instance, buprenorphine is a drug used to treat opioid dependency.
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Surround yourself with people who are sober, or who have the same goals of sobriety as you do. This may require you to change your social network, and no longer hang out with those who could negatively influence you.
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Understand why you used substances. If it was to deal with the loss of someone or to cope with stress, these issues may come back to surface after you have started your road to recovery, and you will be forced to face your problems. Learn healthy ways to handle your stressors that do not involve the use of substances.
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Participate in positive and healthy activities, such as exercising. According to the MayoClinic.com, exercise is known to help reduce depression and anxiety, which you might experience as you withdraw from substances. You should also consider picking up a personal hobby, such as drawing, journaling, photography or gardening, as personal hobbies allow you to focus your attention toward something enjoyable, and pay less attention to substance cravings. Other positive and healthy activities include meditation, playing with pets and taking trips.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid temptation. Do not put yourself in a position to relapse by going to bars. Know what triggers your desire to use substances, and make it your business to stay away from those triggers.
Withdrawing from substances can bring up a lot of unwelcome emotions and feelings. If you sink into a depression or are unable to deal with the stress, please find help immediately from a friend, relative or healthcare professional who can help you.
References
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