All types of addiction are treatable. The best plans are comprehensive, as addiction often affects many areas of life.
Common therapies include:
- medications, for mental disorders such as depression or schizophrenia
- psychotherapy, including behavioural, talk, and group therapies
- medical services, to help treat serious complications of addiction, like withdrawal during detox
- addiction case manager, to help coordinate and check ongoing treatment
- inpatient addiction treatment
- self-help and support groups
People are different, and some individuals will have different circumstances, needs and wants from others. Fighting addiction can require a combination or all of the following. Here are the tangible steps that one can take to reclaim control over your life. Different strokes for different folks.
Detox
Detox is about completely removing the substance from your body. You can do it at home or in a medical setting. However, some substances such as alcohol can cause massive and potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to do your research beforehand and make a plan.
Therapy
Speaking with a therapist, going to group counselling sessions, and attending 12-step programs are important parts of recovery. You’ll learn about addiction itself, how to identify and address the underlying causes, and how to prevent relapse.
Medication
There is no medication that can “cure” alcoholism. However, in the recovery process, certain medications can ease your withdrawal symptoms to help you better focus on therapy. For opioid users, there are three FDA-approved medications for treatment: Medication-assisted treatment has proven to be clinically effective for some. There are many different medications that are suitable and are used to ease the withdrawal symptoms. All of these medications are available through approved doctors and some treatment centres. The medical professionals will be able to determine which medication, if any, is best for your personal situation.
Lifestyle changes
Rehab can be an empowering experience where you’ll have the first taste of your new, sober life. But returning home to the same environment (and same temptations) can be very difficult. To make sure your treatment lasts, you must commit to serious lifestyle changes. Recovery isn’t just about removing a substance from your body. It’s about replacing the damaging habits with healthy ones, and building an entirely new life for yourself.
Continue 12-step meetings and connecting yourself with the recovery community. Explore new hobbies and interests, or revisit ones that you used to enjoy before addiction took hold. You’ll find that there are more positive possibilities for your life than you may have ever expected. Life is certainly better to live when you are sober and aware of what is going on.
Support
Recovery is a community effort, and no one can do it alone. Work on building support around you. You’ll have the opportunity to reach out to loved ones who may have been hurt during your addiction. This is also the time to find new friends who you enjoy spending time with and who can help you find fulfilment outside of addiction.
Is there a cure for addiction? A big “NO”, there’s no fix-all solution. But there is a better life that’s waiting for you. You will claim it when you are ready to do so.