Overcoming Drug Addiction: Making a Change and Exploring your Treatment Options

Sometimes old adages are true; the hardest step is admitting that you have a problem. Once you do, it becomes easier to find a path that is right for you and your life’s journey. Things like stress, the people in your life, what you do when you have nothing to do, and your self-esteem all play a role in how you handle your sobriety.

Are You Considering Recovery?

• Ask someone trusted to tell you about how they feel about your addiction. Does this person believe it has negatively affected your life? In what ways?
• Keep a daily log of your drug use. How much did you take today? When? Doing this can help you visualize your addiction and help your doctors and counselors later in rehab or outpatient therapy.
• How much is your addiction costing you, financially? Think about where that money could be differently spent. A vacation? Paying down debt? A better home?

Figuring Out Your Treatment Options

• What are your specific needs? – Whatever treatment path you go down, it should cater to your particular addiction. The methods that work on an alcoholic won’t be as effective on someone recovering from meth.
• There are different treatment options – Maybe you can’t take that much time off of work to spend 30-90 days in the clinic. Maybe group therapy activates your social anxiety. Or maybe you are a single parent and need flexible options to be able to care for your kids. Consider all these things when choosing a treatment plan.
• Look into additional options – Traditional methods are fantastic, but sometimes people need more than just a rehab or drug counselor. Look into spiritual guidance if you have faith that you value. Many priests, rabbis, and other religions either have programs themselves or have training in supplemental counseling.
• There is more than your addiction – Most people dealing with addiction have a dual-diagnosis, which means that they are also dealing with a mental health issue as well. Sometimes this is the cause of the addiction; sometimes it just exacerbates it. Either way, you should be treated for everything, including your addiction.
• Commitment – Are you fully committed to sobriety and working whatever program works best for you and your situation? Are you willing to do all prescribed aftercare?

While recovery is a long road, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Freedom from Addiction to help you start your journey to recovery TODAY and explore the different treatment options available. For 24/7 assistance, call 1.855.RECOVER or 1.855.732.6837.

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Sydney DeZinno is a writer from Tucson, AZ. A graduate of the University of Arizona, she an active advocate that is passionate about addiction recovery and helping those in crisis. 

| Twitter @sdezinno