The seasons are turning from warm summer
days to cool crisp mornings and vibrant fall colors. The season for
thanksgiving is upon us and this is a time to give thanks for all things
important to you. While there are many
things you may be thankful for in your life some may be dealing with the abuse
of drugs and alcohol. The SAFE Coalition wants to take this opportunity to
provide you with resources to assist you in your decision to become free of Drug
Addiction. Keep in mind drug addiction
includes addiction to alcohol and tobacco.
It takes courage and strength to face up to
drug addiction. When you’re bogged down in drug abuse and drug addiction,
sobriety can seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach,
no matter how hopeless your current situation seems.
Change is possible with the right treatment
and support, and by making lifestyle changes that address the root cause of
your addiction. Don’t give up, even if you’ve tried and failed before. There
are many different roads to recovery, but almost all involve bumps, pitfalls,
and setbacks. But by examining the problem and thinking about making the
necessary changes, you’re already on your way. These seven steps will help you
on your road.
1. Decide to make a change: For many people
struggling with addiction, the biggest and toughest step toward recovery is the
very first one: deciding to make a change. It’s normal to feel conflicted about
giving up your drug of choice, even when you realize it’s causing problems in
your life. Change is never easy.
2. Explore your treatment options: Once you’ve made the
decision to challenge your drug addiction, it’s time to explore your treatment
choices. Options can be found online, by talking to your doctor or calling 1-800-662-HELP
(4357)
3. Reach out for support: Don’t try to go it alone. Whatever
treatment approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential. The
more positive influences you have in your life, the better your chances for
recovery. Recovering from drug addiction isn’t easy, but with people you can
turn to for encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear, it’s a little less
tough.
4. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress: Even once you’ve
recovered from drug addiction, you’ll still have to face the problems that led
to your drug problems in the first place. Did you start using drugs to numb
painful emotions, calm yourself down after an argument, unwind after a bad day,
or forget about your problems? After you become sober, the negative feelings
that you used to dampen with drugs will resurface. For treatment to be
successful, and to remain sober in the long term, you’ll need to resolve these
underlying issues as well.
5. Keep triggers and cravings in check: While getting sober from
drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery
process. Once sober, the brain needs time to recover and rebuild connections
that have changed while addicted. During this time, drug cravings can be
intense. You can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort
to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use.
6. Build a meaningful drug free life: You can support your
drug treatment and protect yourself from relapse by having activities and
interests that provide meaning to your life. It’s important to be involved in
things that you enjoy and make you feel needed. When your life is filled with
rewarding activities and a sense of purpose, your addiction will lose its
appeal.
7. Don’t let relapse keep you down: Relapse is a common
part of the recovery process from drug addiction. While relapse is
understandably frustrating and discouraging, it can also be an opportunity to
learn from your mistakes and correct your treatment course.
By taking the above steps to become free
of addiction next thanksgiving you could be giving thanks for a sober life.
Information provided by Helpguide.
Additional information can be found on their website at www.helpguide.org. If
you would like additional local assistance you may contact the SAFE Coalition
at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org
or by phone at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or online at http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com/
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