Quick fixes do not exist when someone is dealing with substance abuse. Overcoming this kind of addiction can be a long road filled with obstacles that may seem overwhelming. Hope does exist, though – thousands of people have escaped the grip of drugs or alcohol with a strong support system and effective treatment. Here, InfoLair presents an overview of how to get started on the journey.
Be Open and Honest with Your Loved Ones
If someone you love is struggling with an addiction, Verywell Mind notes that approaching them about seeking help may be hard, but it’s necessary. Always be kind when you address them; show them you care and you accept them, even if you don’t accept their behavior. Listen to them without interrupting or criticizing, and try to understand their point of view.
Be consistent and predictable with them so they know they can rely on you. Set clear boundaries about what you will and won’t accept in terms of their behavior, and offer to help find information on how to get them the help they need. If they’re resistant to getting help, try to at least convince them to get an evaluation from a doctor.
Find Ways to Create Structure and Support
One of the most important aspects of recovery is doing away with old, unhealthy habits and replacing them with new, healthy ones. You’ll develop them through repetition and the brain’s reward centers: you have to work at developing the self-control to build the new habits and avoid the temptation of the old ones.
The three best habits to build in recovery are adequate sleep, a healthy diet and regular exercise. Staying consistent with these practices will give you a solid foundation that will lead to overall good health and good mental resolve, which will increase the chances of lasting recovery.
Focus on Work or Entrepreneurship
If the person struggling with addiction is employed in a situation where substance abuse is triggered or encouraged, a job change may be in order. Hands-on skills can be extremely helpful in sourcing employment. Broaden your opportunities by boosting your skillset or brushing up on rusty talents, such as working in a trade like welding.
You may also want to go into business for yourself. There are a number of different businesses that can easily be started from home. Although starting a business sounds like a tall order, these endeavors can be done on a part time basis in order to provide time and flexibility for recovery.
Inpatient Rehab
One of the most effective ways to build those habits and get the support needed to overcome substance abuse is through inpatient rehab centers. These are residential programs (with an average stay of 30 days) where patients get medical support and emotional support in an environment designed to help them overcome their struggles. Treatment depends on various factors, including the existence of co-occurring mental health disorders, the severity of the addiction, and the number of times the patient has been through rehab.
Treatment Styles for Different People
Various types of inpatient treatment programs are designed with specific perspectives or groups of people in mind.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy attempts to get to the root causes of addiction by treating all aspects of the person, including both physical (medical) and psychological components. It includes what many call alternative treatments as a complement to the medical approach. This could mean talk therapy, yoga, meditation and mindfulness training, outdoor therapy and more.
Gender-Specific Therapy
Men and women experience addiction differently, so gender-specific treatment programs address these experiences in specific ways for each gender. This kind of therapy provides a comfortable environment without distraction (recovery is not an ideal time to start a new romance, for example) and makes it more likely that patients will relax and be honest about their issues.
Executive and Business Professional’s Therapy
Because of their drive and success, addicted professionals and executives, such as doctors, lawyers and pilots, often keep their substance abuse hidden. Their high-stakes careers mean they likely have many people dependent on them, including families and clients, so these programs take this into account during treatment.
Faith-Based Therapy
Many programs, such as the classic 12-step recovery approach, have foundations in religion. These programs include a focus on prayer, surrendering to God, and acknowledging that we need something greater than ourselves to overcome addiction.
Get Your Body Moving through Exercise
Incorporating exercise into addiction recovery can be extremely beneficial for many reasons. Exercise can improve overall physical and mental health, decrease cravings for addictive substances, and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Additionally, research has shown that people who live in neighborhoods with high walk scores are more active, which can further aid in addiction recovery. By making exercise a part of their daily routine, individuals can build healthy habits that can benefit them in the long term.
Find the Support that Works for You
Substance abuse is no laughing matter – STAT points out that about 75% of adult addicts in the United States have achieved their recovery goals and gone on to do amazing things with their lives. Thankfully, many programs have been developed to fight addiction. Don’t be afraid to get the help you or a loved one may need, and don’t wait. Start today.
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