You’ve discovered that you potentially have substance use dependency that may be affecting other aspects of your life. So, what next? You need to find ways to quit your addiction, and drug rehab could be the answer. The chances are that you didn’t anticipate addiction when you started. You might have thought that you were having harmless fun and can quit at any time.
Most people with addiction are surprised at how difficult it is to quit and end up wondering, can I stop? The truth is, with the right help, the right professionals, and willpower, it is possible to overcome addiction.
Recognizing Addiction
Recognizing addiction can be more challenging than it seems. Generally, it’s a chronic disorder that affects the brain’s motivational, reward, and memory functions. Any alcohol or drug addict will crave a substance and have certain behavioral habits. They’ll often ignore some aspects of their lives to fulfill their desires.
The typical signs of addiction include:
- Decreased socialization
- Crave for a substance or behavior
- Physical effects, such as needing higher doses for satisfaction and withdrawal symptoms
- Lack of control and ignorance
The above signs are expected from most addicts. However, the level of intensity for each symptom will vary depending on the specific drug and the length of the addiction. The first step towards seeking help recognizes the emotional, mental, and physical signs, such as personality changes and abrupt weight loss.
Why Is Quitting So Hard?
Quitting substance use is possible, although it is a derailing and complicated process. Many factors, mental, emotional, physical, and biological, make quitting difficult. That’s why many alcohol and drug addicts seek help from professionals to guide them through the complex process. However, some people are successful in quitting substance abuse on their own.
Addiction typically affects parts of your brain in a way that alters your judgment and impulse control. It also changes the brain’s reward system, causing the memory of previous rewards to trigger an increased craving for drugs or reward experiences regardless of negative consequences.
Whenever you try quitting on your own, you’re likely to succumb to the thought of acting in a certain way that goes against your decision to quit.
Understanding tolerance
The primary factors that contribute to addiction are withdrawal and tolerance. They are strongly interlinked and significantly contribute to the reason you got addicted in the first place. Tolerance is a psychological and physical problem. According to research, the more times you repeat a behavior, the more you require the same effect. Particular drugs, such as opiates and alcohol, affect specific parts of the brain, developing physical tolerance.
As tolerance develops, you’re likely to need more behavior or drugs to get the same effect.
Withdrawal Symptoms
While the addiction develops, you will experience withdrawal syndrome whenever you cannot feed your addictive behavior. You might experience physical withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Shaking
- Stomach upsets
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings
These symptoms are easily fixed by indulging in addictive behavior or substances.
Generally, physical withdrawal varies from drug to drug and often resolves in several days. However, the feeling is unpleasant and sometimes potentially dangerous. Therefore, it would be best to do under medical supervision if you decide to stop using drugs.
Consult with your doctor about your physical withdrawal to find the best approach. But since there are plenty more challenges that make it challenging to stay on the recovery journey, you should visit a rehab facility for treatment and rehabilitation.
How Can You Quit?
With excessive addictive behavior, you’re likely to go off balance with other aspects of your life. As a result, conflict may develop within yourself or with other people– whether you want to join them in substance use or quit.
Even though you commit to quitting, these conflicts do not simply go away. That is why it is crucial to have other ways of coping with the underlying issues that led to the addictive behavior. A therapist can help you with this.
Visiting a rehabilitation center can help you deal with addiction and cope with the irrational thoughts and feelings that keep you addicted. Quitting isn’t easy, but a treatment program and support group will help you achieve it eventually when you’re ready.
There is no quick and easy way to cure addiction; however, effective treatment and therapy can help you stay sober. You’ll need to manage your addiction throughout your lifespan. Luckily, treatment provides the tools you’ll need for a happy sober life without substance abuse.
