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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Substance abuse and ultimately addiction often begin innocently enough. This is especially true when the substance of choice is legally obtained. Becoming addicted is a lot easier than most people think.
Fortunately, there is a way to beat the addiction and be in control once more. While successful treatment for addiction is never easy, thousands of people achieve the seemingly impossible every year. For those who don’t understand how this could happen and what can be done, here are the basic steps or stages that occur along the way.
That First Try
There’s always a first time to try the substance. It could be the first dose of a prescription medication take under the advice of a doctor. Perhaps it’s the first cocktail offered and taken at a party. It could be one puff taken just to be sociable. At this juncture, the future addict likely has no thoughts of becoming dependent on the substance. For those who find they have a strong affinity with a certain drug or type of alcohol, it’s easy to move on to the next stage.
Deciding to Use The Substance More Frequently
The first round was quite pleasant, so why not use the substance more often? What started as one drink at a party may lead to having a drink every day, as those on the path to addiction start taking liberties with substances in ever-increasing quantities. Eventually, it’s several times a day. At this point, the addict still rationalizes the use by thinking that it will be easy to stop anytime. Unfortunately, that will not be the case.
Not Being Able to Function Without the Substance
Over time, it will become clear that getting through the day without the substance is not possible. Whether it involves going to work, taking part in social activities, or engaging in any routine aspect of living, nothing can be done until the addict has at least one hit or dose of the substance. The addict begins to understand that there is a problem. In the best-case scenario, that means moving on to the next step, but many addicts aware of their addiction continue onward without seeking help.
Deciding to Seek Help
After facing the fact that there’s a problem, the addict finally agrees to get help. Withdrawal therapy, counseling, attending substance abuse meetings, and actively seeking to live without the substance will not come easily at first. There may be a great deal of despair in the early stages of your treatment for addiction, and not a lot of confidence. As time passes, the addict develops stronger coping skills and begins to feel some sense of accomplishment.
Dealing With the Temptation to Relapse
Things can seem to be progressing well when temptation arises. It could be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. Whatever the case, there is the desire to escape from the pain. That makes it much easier to feel tempted to take one more dose or hit of the substance.
For those who do give in, letting the regret overcome all the progress made is not an option. Instead, admitting what happened, pledging to not let it happen again, and drawing on support from counselors, members of the group, and other methods of curbing addiction are the more productive choice if you’re serious about beating an addiction.
Regaining Control of Your Life
The day will come when the addict has the situation firmly in control and is able to reclaim his or her life. That does involve recognizing that the addiction is still present. The difference is that the person is committed to avoiding the substance one day at a time. With that mindset, it is possible to never touch the substance again and enjoy every minute of every day.
Addiction is nothing to be ashamed of; it also does not have to cut you off from those who mean the most. Learn to recognize that you are in over your head and seek help. It will take time and you may sometimes take one step back for every two steps forward. Persevere, never hesitate to ask for help, and you do have an excellent chance of overcoming the addiction.