Dont Let Relapse Keep You Down
Relapse is a common part of the recovery process from drug addiction. While relapse is frustrating and discouraging, it can be an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, identify additional triggers, and correct your treatment course.
What causes relapse?
Different triggers can put you at risk of relapsing into old patterns of substance use. While specific causes of relapse differ from person to person, some common triggers include:
- Negative emotional state
- Positive emotional state
- Physical discomfort
- Trying to test your personal control
- Strong temptation or urge
- Social pressure
The important thing to remember is that relapse doesnt mean drug treatment failure. Dont give up. Call your sponsor, talk to your therapist, go to a meeting, or schedule an appointment with your doctor. When youre sober again and out of danger, look at what triggered the relapse, what went wrong, and what you could have done differently. You can choose to get back on the path to recovery and use the experience to strengthen your commitment.
Is It Possible To Overcome An Addiction On Your Own
This article is aimed at a broad INTERNET audience and is not a substitute for personal advice from a medical doctor or addiction counsellor. Disrupting chronic alcohol or drug usage without professional detoxification and emotion-management is a strenuous, risky and potentially fatal undertaking.
If you are determined to attempt home detox or addiction recovery on your own, we strongly advise that you consult a doctor or a registered therapist for personal advice before starting the process.
The following article contains guidelines about recovery from substance use disorders with and without attending a formal rehab treatment program.
What Are The 4 Levels Of Addiction
Addiction is a serious problem that can ruin lives. It can be difficult to overcome addiction, but it is possible. There are four levels of addiction: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. We will discuss each level in-depth and provide tips for overcoming addiction.
Most people who try drugs or engage in risky behaviors dont become addicted. Some people can experiment with drugs or other activities and walk away without any problems. However, some people develop a physical dependence on the substance or activity. This means that their body becomes used to the drug or activity and they need it to function normally. Physical dependence can lead to addiction.
2. Regular Use & Substance Abuse
People who develop a physical dependence on a substance often start using it regularly. They may use it to cope with stress, relax, or feel good. Regular use can quickly turn into abuse. Substance abuse is when you use a substance in ways that are harmful to your health or put you in danger. Abuse can lead to addiction. However, not everyone who abuses a substance will become addicted. People who abuse substances often do so to cope with emotional or mental problems. They may be trying to escape from reality or numb their pain. Substance abuse can make these problems worse and lead to addiction.
3. Dependency & Tolerance
4. Substance Use Disorder
Also Check: How To Treat Weed Addiction
Tips For Finding The Best Addiction Treatment
Theres no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone. Everyones needs are different, so its important that you find a program that feels right to you. Any alcohol addiction treatment program should be customized to your unique problems and situation.
Treatment doesnt have to be limited to doctors and psychologists. Many clergy members, social workers, and counselors also offer addiction treatment services.
Treatment should address more than just your alcohol abuse. Addiction affects your whole life, including your relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on examining the way alcohol abuse has impacted you and developing a new way of living.
Commitment and follow-through are key. Recovering from alcohol addiction or heavy drinking is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the alcohol use, the longer and more intense the treatment youll need. But regardless of the treatment programs length in weeks or months, long-term follow-up care is crucial to your recovery.
Continuing Care & Long Term Recovery
Substance abuse treatment is based on two important principles:
Part of maintaining long-term recovery requires a person to accept these aspects of addiction. A relapse is certainly a troubling event, but if the person gives up on their recovery when this happens, they will never succeed. Instead, people can benefit from using the relapse as a new opportunity to reevaluate and reinvestigate their treatment.
A relapse may indicate the need for:
- Increased involvement with professional treatment
- More frequent appointments
- A higher level of care
- A medication change as recommended by a prescriber
- Additional lifestyle changes to decrease stress and increase support
Not only does long-term recovery need the assistance of professional treatment, but it always benefits from other recovery-focused activities, like support groups. Support groups lack the guidance of professional therapy, and instead, rely on the sense of community and fellowship they create. Attending a support group connects someone to an entire network of people in recovery who are willing to share their experience and expertise on the subject of sobriety.
Also Check: How To Cure Drug Addiction At Home
Spiritual Support In Overcoming Addiction
There is scientifically supported evidence that faith and spirituality are protective factors against relapse.
In a 2008 study, individuals who maintained their recovery had significantly greater levels of faith and spirituality as compared to those who relapsed.12
Another study published in 2015 showed that those who reported that they felt Gods presence on a daily basis and believed in a higher power as a universal spirit also had better outcomes than those who did not.13
Several studies have shown a relationship between having faith or spirituality and sobriety length. Addicts also said that faith was an important component of their recovery efforts and helpful in maintaining changes made during treatment.14
On a general level, higher levels of religiosity and spirituality have been associated with greater physical and mental health, as shown in many studies.15
How Long Does It Take To Quit An Addiction To Meth
Meth, or methamphetamine, is an incredibly addictive stimulant drug that can result in incredibly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many of these have to do with intense depression, as methamphetamine depletes and damages your brains dopamine functioning in ways that take a long time to repair, much like heroin.
When detoxing from meth, withdrawal symptoms usually begin after 24 hours and remain intense for seven to ten days, although some symptoms can continue for much longer. Initial symptoms will include fatigue and an unusual amount of sleep. Your body and brain need this time rest to repair. Depression usually sets in during the first few days as well.
Strong cravings start between day four and ten, along with mood swings, brain fog, and a lack of motivation. In more serious cases of withdrawal, people may experience:
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts and intention
Cravings, depression and other symptoms may continue after day ten, and insomnia will often appear. After a month, most symptoms, besides depression and occasional cravings, will subside. Recovering meth addicts who experience hallucinations and psychotic symptoms usually find relief after a week or two.
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Addicted To Hydrocodone
Asking For Professional Assistance
You may know how difficult it is to recover from drug addiction rather than writing up. Keeping touch with trusted peer groups is no longer an endurable solution at all. That means you should ask for medical assistance from therapists or professionals.
Dealing with their scheduled programs helps to hold soberness. It comes with different types which include,
When Your Addiction Is To A Narcissist
If you have an energy vampire, or narcissist, in your life and you are hanging on to the relationship to the point where your life is disrupted, this is called narcissistic addiction. And it is real! In fact, there are even biochemical changes in your body that take place, as with any addiction. Because of this, your brain chemicals can actually lock you into addiction to an energy vampire. Of course, if you already have addictive tendencies such as to drugs or alcohol you may understand the brain chemical aspect. It works like this:
You experience the release of dopamine when the narcissist is love-bombing you with gifts and compliments. You also experience the release of oxytocin when you are physically around your energy vampire, especially if you are in a sexual relationship. Then, when the energy vampire starts to exhibit unpredictable behavior, you experience adrenaline rushes. Finally, when you experience abuse at the hands of a narcissist you ultimately experience the effects of a constant stream of cortisol.
Also Check: How To Know If You Are Addicted To Sugar
Quitting An Addictive Behavior
Quitting is a different experience for everyone. Some find the process liberating and empowering, and feel they can achieve anything. Others find it painful, difficult, and frustrating, sometimes needing many failed attempts before achieving their goal. Still others discover new sides to themselves during the quitting process .
There is no right way to feel while you are quitting. But if you are feeling depressed or find yourself constantly wanting to return to the addictive behavior, you should seek support and treatment.
Ken Seeley Can Help You Overcome Heroin Addiction
Addiction is a disease, and therefore, heroin use, abuse, and addiction can affect anyone and doesnt discriminate. It has long-lasting consequences and repercussions on not only the people going through it but also their family and friends.
At Ken Seeley Rehab in Palm Springs, CA, we help millions of individuals suffering from heroin addiction and other opioid use disorders can learn to manage their addiction long-term, helping them regain control over their lives! Contact us today to overcome your drug addiction.
Read Also: Addiction Treatment Centers Northern California
How To Stop Masturbation Addiction
As it is masturbation is not an outright unhealthy practice for both males and females. However, getting addicted to masturbation is the real problem. Anyone who is addicted to it should find a solution to overcome it.
Again there are a lot of myths related to masturbation. So instead of believing these myths and fallacies, you should get proper guidance then you will surely get out of this problem.
For that matter, no problem is devoid of the solution to this cannot be an exceptional case. Indeed, you have not got addicted in a single day so dont expect it to vanish in a single day too.
Stopping masturbation is a step by step process and done under the guidance of an expert can bring about positive results
You May Like: How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol Addiction
How Hard Is It To Quit Cocaine
Quitting cocaine on your own can be extremely difficult. The pain from withdrawal, lack of family and friend support, and cravings can make it feel impossible to quit. However, overcoming cocaine addiction is possible. With the proper medications, support, and behavioral therapy quitting cocaine is attainable. As difficult as it may seem at the time, finding the right support from doctors, friends, family, and therapists can make the road to recovery achievable.
If you or someone you love is addicted to cocaine, finding a high-quality rehab clinic can help. Rehab clinics will provide a person with all the support they need to overcome their addiction. Through trained medical and mental health professionals your loved one will be safe and comfortable as they detox from cocaine and begin their recovery journey.
References
Recommended Reading: Partnership To End Addiction Reviews
How Willpower Can Be Useful In Addiction Recovery
When you decide to stop using drugs and alcohol, you may be told to forget anything about using willpower. The truth is that you have just made one of the most important choices of your life, and now you need the willpower to follow through with the actions that will lead you on the pathway to a new way to live.
Changing the way you view the world and behave is a tall order, and it is not always comfortable. That strong will you have can help you stay in addiction treatment for the duration, pick up the phone to ask for help, and let someone new get to know you for support.
What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Overcoming Addiction
The most effective treatment for addiction is, in a few words, long-term5 and comprehensive.6
Addiction treatment must address every aspect of a recovering addicts life, including navigating a successful re-entry into the real world. Ongoing support is also needed for those critical first three years, and beyond.
You May Like: Can You Get Addicted To Masturbating
Which Drugs Are Hardest To Quit
Some substances are notoriously addictive and, some drugs may be harder to quit than others. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that some of the most commonly used addictive substances include marijuana, synthetic marijuana , prescription opioids, prescription stimulants , sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics.6
Overcoming addiction is possible but it often requires a combination of approaches to achieve the best outcome. Treatment may include:10,11
Remember that, if you are suffering from a drug overdose, be sure to call 911 immediately or make your way to the nearest physician.
The First Step To Overcoming Drug Abuse And Addiction
Developing an addiction to drugs isnt a character flaw or a sign of weakness, and it takes more than willpower to overcome the problem. Abusing illegal or certain prescription drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems or how many times youve tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always possible.
For many people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. Its normal to feel uncertain about whether youre ready to start recovery, or if you have what it takes to quit. If youre addicted to a prescription drug, you may be concerned about how youre going to find an alternate way to treat a medical condition. Its okay to feel torn. Committing to sobriety involves changing many things, including:
- the way you deal with stress
- who you allow in your life
- what you do in your free time
- how you think about yourself
- the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
Its also normal to feel conflicted about giving up your drug of choice, even when you know its causing problems in your life. Recovery requires time, motivation, and support, but by making a commitment to change, you can overcome your addiction and regain control of your life.
You May Like: What Are The Steps To Drug Addiction
Make A Conscious Decision To Change
Accepting to take responsibility not only makes you have the right mindset for recovery, but it also helps you make conscious decisions to change. You are now able to set a precise goal for what you want. Your target could either be quitting all addictions, removing some addictive behaviors or substance, or lessen the amount of money and time taken engaging in this habit.
Once you set a precise goal in your mind, it is always advisable to share this with someone close to you. This person becomes your accountability partner. You should ensure that she or he will not judge you, but will be there to support you and remind you of your goal.
Being able to quit an addiction entirely is the best option for your wellness. Nevertheless, if you can reduce the most harmful substance use or behavior, you are setting yourself on the right path. Recovery from addiction is a process, and as so, you should strive to get to your goal gradually.
Heroin Addiction And Mental Health
Drug addiction and mental health go hand-in-hand. When these two conditions occur simultaneously, this is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and others are a major risk factor for heroin addiction.
People turn to alcohol and drugs such as heroin as a means to cope with the unpleasant symptoms that come with mental illness. Oftentimes, mental disorders are left undiagnosed because symptoms do not always present themselves right away. It can be underlying, and mental illness must be properly diagnosed and treated to avoid severe complications and worsening of ones addiction.
At Ken Seeley, our team of specialists, treat your mental illness and addiction together to effectively manage symptoms of both conditions.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Relief From Drug Addiction
Why Doesnt The Status Quo Work
With all of the options available, why do many people remain addicted or relapse? One reason is that most of the addiction recovery programs in the U.S. are based on the chemical hook theory of addiction that certain substances are addictive and if you use them, you will become addicted. This is, for the most part, a fallacy. Anyone who has had surgery has taken a good amount of heroin in the form of diamorphine! And yet most people who have had surgery are not heroin addicts.
Now, there are some people who truly may have a physical addiction to a drug I have a friend who was given morphine in the hospital at age 10 and says it was the best feeling ever. But, most people who become addicts have something else going on so that the standard chemical hook approach to drying out and avoiding the substance you are addicted to whether you use a 12-step program, rehab, a medical approach or some combination doesnt work. In fact, many people recover from addiction to one substance, then become addicted to something else, such as sex, smoking cigarettes, or working too much.
This supports the theory that pain, whether its physical pain or emotional pain both of which register in the same parts of the brain is the root cause of addiction, not the substance itself. In other words, what addicts are really doing is avoiding pain by using or doing something that makes them unable to feel it.
