A person who is attempting to stop using drugs can’t rely on willpower alone to achieve sobriety. In fact, very few people are able to break the cycle of addiction on their own. The first step in overcoming addiction is to realize that you have a problem and that if you want to stay sober over the long term, you are going to need some kind of professional help.
For many addicts, this first step of admitting that an addiction exists is the biggest step in their recovery process. Denial often has a strong hold on addicts, allowing them to continue their destructive behavior, despite the ill effects it is having on their lives. Once they step away from that denial and admit that a problem is present, they can then begin to learn how to overcome their addiction.
Treatment Is Needed
According to the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), long-term drug use alters the brain. The changes that occur reinforce the addict’s behavior, motivating them to continue taking drugs, even when serious consequences become apparent in their life. Addiction isn’t a matter of personal strength. In fact, many addicts desperately want to stop using drugs; they just aren’t able to do so without professional help.
When a person has been using drugs for a long period of time, it can be dangerous to attempt to cease use on their own. This is because the body becomes accustomed to the presence of certain levels of the drugs. An abrupt stop in usage leads to a serious imbalance in the body and severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. Addicts can even die when attempting to go “cold turkey” on their own.
Instead, detox should always be done under the watch of medical personnel experienced with the detox process. In some instances, medications may be administered to offset the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with detox. When addicts attempt to detox on their own, they often return to the drugs when the painful withdrawal symptoms appear. In a detox facility, medical personnel ensure this doesn’t happen, so the addict can safely make it through the detox process.
Entering a drug addiction treatment center is key to a long-term recovery because:
- Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or painful, and the addict may be tempted to relapse without professional supervision.
- A medically-supervised detox program may include prescription medications to keep the client comfortable during the withdrawal period.
- A person going through drug detox who receives emotional support is more likely to stick with it and move into a treatment center for the recovery phase of rehab.
COURTESY OF NIDA
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