If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already come to the realization that you have an addiction. Accepting the fact that you have a problem is an impressive and vital first step, but do you know what comes next? Addictions are unique to each person, but the steps towards recovery are pretty universal:
Make the decision to turn your life around
Accepting your addiction is a great first step; unfortunately, however, that’s only half the battle. In order to peruse recovery, you must decide to stop your old way of living. Nobody can get help for you; you’re the only person who can choose recovery and actively work to get better. If you’re hesitant about choosing recovery, remember why you’re reading this article in the first place – there’s probably something deep inside of you that wants to change.
Weighing out the cons of your addiction is a good way to remember why you want to get your life back. Make a list of everything your addiction is costing you or everything it’s stolen from you; acknowledge the fact that if you don’t choose recovery, the list will only get longer.
Do some research
Addictions are notorious for taking away your control. At the beginning, it may feel like you have control over your disease, but in reality, it’s the other way around. Doing some research about your addiction is a good way to start gaining that control back; the more you know about your disease, the more prepared you’ll be to fight it.
Go to therapy
Getting help for your addiction is the only surefire way to recover; addictions are serious mental illnesses that cannot be combatted without the help of a professional. I have been providing addiction treatment services for over 10 years, through the practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a short-term goal-oriented approach to therapy that doesn’t just focus on the behaviors; it focuses on the thoughts and beliefs that lead you to engage in these behaviors. Together, we’ll get to the root of your problem and discover why you began using in the first place. We can then work to change these behaviors by identifying your triggers and developing healthy coping skills.
Seek extra support
From alcohol to prescription drugs to heroin, and everything in between, there are about 24 MILLION people suffering from substance abuse problems. You are not alone in your addiction, and while there are a lot of people still struggling, there are also a lot of people who have committed to recovery.
There are both online and in person support groups, such as NA, that are designed to provide extra support. Find a meeting near you and really commit yourself to the process. Get a sponsor, work the system, and surround yourself with people who are also committed to recovery. You are not alone on this journey, and there are numerous people who can assist you along the way.
Look into rehab facilities
Sometimes people with addictions need support other than just weekly sessions or meetings, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. There are many rehab and addiction treatment facilities nationwide that offer 24/7 care. These facilities provide you with detox services and around the clock service that counselors cannot offer. They are great places to get sober and practice sober living before you are ready to step down to a lower level of care.
Sober living requires a lot of maintenance, as recovery is a choice you must make every single day. But your life without addiction will be clearer, happier and much more sustainable. Contact me today for a free 30-minute consultation if you’re interested and ready to get help.