Overcoming Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is an increasing problem in present society. Addiction is eligible for hurting one’s body, causing issues in the individual family and furthermore in social orders and the communities. An addict has to undergo a series of events, and methods to overcome drug addiction.
Making Decision to Change
Once an addicted person decides to change, the person develops a specific goal in mind. The objectives of an addicted person can be to quit drugs for good, stopping some addictive behaviors but not all, reducing the amount of money spent on drugs, or reducing the harm of caused by the addictive drug (Blehm, 2013). For example, a drug addict might decide to quit cocaine but continue smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Getting a clear goal before being put into practice is of great help for success in changing addictive behavior (Blehm, 2013). Irrespective of total quitting being the best method, reduction or elimination of most harmful substance use is of significant improvement and can reduce by a certain percentage the harm caused by the addictive drugs.
Getting Treatment to Overcome Addiction
Drug addiction can be minimized through different treatment methods that help to overcome drug addiction, including psychological and medical treatment methods. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the practical approaches in helping people to overcome different types of addiction (Hanson, Venturelli & Fleckenstein, 2011). The mindfulness-based approach is another popular method, which is easier to relate to a lot of individuals. Mindfulness is essential for people affected by mental health difficulties like depression. Medication can be of great help both in the long term and short term.
Coping With Withdrawal Symptoms
With drug addiction, the psychological features of withdrawal can be luck of comfort, feeling infected with flu, or even life-threatening. It is advisable to talk to a physician about the best methods to quit the addiction to substances such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol (Lucado, 2012). Most of the withdrawal symptoms usually pass within the first one and two weeks after quitting, although you should be careful to avoid using your old dosage after going through withdrawal. After leaving addiction, some people find that specific withdrawal symptoms keep recurring, which is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (Lucado, 2012). Addiction can also mask underlying cerebral health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Avoiding Replacement Addictive Behaviors
Some people find that after quitting one addictive behavior, another addictive behavior replaces the older one. To prevent replacement addictions, one has to find gratification in the involvements in ordinary life (Lucado, 2012). Although the participation in healthy life may luck the intensity of addictive behaviors, getting to know them can introduce a new level of calm that you have never experienced before. Another significant aspect of avoiding replacement addiction is through addressing any underlying cerebral health difficulties (Lucado, 2012). Addictions can cover up sadness, fear, or trauma, with psychological therapies and medications providing long term relief for such problems, which addictions worsen continuously.
Conclusion
Once an addicted person decides to change, the person develops a specific goal in mind. Drug addiction can be minimized through different treatment methods that help to overcome drug addiction, including psychological and medical treatment methods. With drug addiction, the psychological features of withdrawal can be luck of comfort, feeling infected with flu, or even life-threatening. Some people find that after quitting one addictive behavior, another addictive behavior replaces the older one.
References
Blehm, E. (2013). Fearless: The undaunted courage and ultimate sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team Six operator Adam Brown. WaterBrook Press.
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P., & Fleckenstein, A. (2011). Drugs and society. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Lucado, M. (2012). fearless. Thomas Nelson.