4 Ways to Break Your Addiction and Regain Control of Your Life

Substance abuse is a serious, often life-threatening issue that affects every aspect of your life. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs more than $700 billion each year in the United States. Deaths related to overdose from prescription drugs saw a 3.4-fold increase in the period between 2001 and 2014 alone. The opioid epidemic is a major part of this upward trend in overdose-related deaths, but all forms of substance abuse cause damage and can be difficult to overcome. If you or someone you love is experiencing substance abuse of some sort, here are four effective strategies you can use to overcome addiction and regain control of your life.

1. Reach Out for Support

Research shows that social support is a key factor in all forms of successful recovery from substance abuse. The people around you often play a role in enabling your addiction, whether they realize it or not. To maximize your chances of a successful recovery, it is important to have a network of social support that understands the nature of your addiction and can provide emotional support and other resources when you need them. In many cases, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol first realize they have a problem when friends and family stage an intervention. Knowing there are people around you who care about you and want you to succeed will help you overcome the most difficult aspects of recovery, such as withdrawal and the possibility of relapse.

2. Seek Inpatient Care

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only 11.2 of the 23.5 million people over the age of 12 who required treatment for substance abuse sought care in a specialized facility. Nonetheless, these facilities have been proven to have a positive influence on long-term recovery outcomes. Specialized rehab facilities are staffed with caring and knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to helping you overcome addiction in a safe environment.

3. Find an Outlet

Addiction is most commonly a means of escape from stress or social pressure, so finding another outlet to relieve stress is an essential part of overcoming addiction. From reading to engaging in a sport you enjoy, there are a variety of healthy, productive ways to relieve stress and redirect your focus.

4. Get Counseling

The stigma surrounding mental health treatment services such as counseling has waned in recent years, but many addicts are still reluctant to seek help. Whether done in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis with a licensed substance abuse counselor, counseling can help you realize that you are not alone in your struggle with addiction.

If you or someone you know is experiencing addiction, developing an adequate treatment plan is essential to achieve recovery. A free service like Freedom From Addiction can be of help to explore the different treatment options available. For 24/7 assistance, call 1.855.RECOVER or 1.855.732.6837.