Recovering from substance abuse or addiction is a challenging process. You will face hurdles and temptations at every step. You need professional help to quit abusing substances because you are not alone in this struggle. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 23 million Americans struggle with drug abuse or addiction. The good news is that 80% of those who seek treatment for substance use disorders recover—and recover faster when they have access to the right support services and programs.
What is recovery?
Abstaining from drug use and engaging in healthy behaviors are the two pillars of recovery. The journey towards a healthy, sober lifestyle begins with abstinence. You will not be able to achieve long-term sobriety unless you break your physical dependence on substances. You need to develop self-awareness, understand your triggers and find healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Why do people struggle with substance abuse?
There are many reasons why people abuse substances. Some are genetically predisposed towards addiction, while others are triggered by stress or trauma. Some people abuse drugs to self-medicate their symptoms, while others do it for fun and excitement. Substance abusers share one thing in common: They find it difficult to stop abusing drugs even when they want to. Addictive substances rewire the brain and change its chemical makeup. They can alter the brain’s wiring and nerve connections, making it hard for the user to break free (SAP Counselor Near Me).
How to find the right treatment program?
When you are ready to quit abusing substances, it is time to find the right treatment program. A good place to start is with your healthcare provider. He or she can provide you with a personalized assessment and recommend a treatment program. You can also visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to find a treatment program. Choose a program that’s right for you and your unique situation.
Consider the following factors when choosing a treatment program
Cost: How much does the treatment program cost? Are the services covered by insurance? Is there a payment plan?
Location: Where is the treatment program located? How convenient is the location for you? Do you have to travel far from home? Is there a location near your home or workplace?
Program: What treatment approach is used by the program? Who are the therapists and medical staff?
Staff: What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Is one-on-one attention available? Is the staff trained in dealing with substance abuse?
Clinical experience: What is the program’s track record? What is their success rate? What is their patient feedback?
12-step programs: The most effective way to quit abusing substances.
For decades, people have turned to 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other self-help groups to overcome addiction. These programs are non-profit organizations that provide a peer-to-peer support system. Members of AA and NA follow a spiritual path and work towards complete abstinence from addictive substances. Members meet in small groups and offer each other support, encouragement, and accountability. They also follow a set of 12 core principles that guide their daily behavior and decision-making process (DOT Return to Duty Near Me).
Counseling and Therapy: Help for underlying issues
While 12-step programs are extremely effective, it is not uncommon for people to face unresolved issues. These underlying issues can trigger an urge to abuse substances, even when you are abstaining from them. It is important to address them during treatment, so they don’t become triggers for relapse.
You can choose from a wide range of counseling and therapy options.
Individual counseling: An individual counselor will help you explore your past, address your unresolved issues and develop coping skills to deal with life’s challenges.
Couples or family counseling: If you are in a relationship and want your partner to quit abusing substances, you can pursue family counseling. Couples counseling enables both partners to explore their feelings and work towards a common goal.
Group counseling: When you are trying to quit abusing substances, it is important to maintain a sense of belonging. Group counseling provides you with a sense of belonging and keeps you accountable for following your treatment plan.
Conclusion
Quitting substance abuse is a challenging process. It requires self-awareness, a willingness to change, and a support system. The good news is that 80% of people who seek treatment for substance use disorders recover and recover faster when they have access to the right support services and programs. When you are ready to quit, find the right treatment program and approach it with a positive mindset. While it will be a difficult journey, you can recover from addiction and live a healthy, sober lifestyle if you are committed to change (SAP Evaluation).
