Article Written By: Namya Arora
Article Cover By: Neharika Tadakamalla
What is Addiction?
Addiction is best defined as a chronic disorder identified by irresistible drug seeking which is continued even after knowing the harmful consequences. It is not something that you can’t ever get rid of or escape alone, but one needs to be determined and motivated in order to do so.
So how can I escape addiction?
Before you continue to read the different ways that will help you break free from your addiction, it is important to note that this is a challenging process which can take a lot of time so don’t be too hard on yourself.
#1: Admit that you’re struggling
This is the most difficult and important step towards your recovery. Your brain is trying to find excuses as to why it’s righteous to keep using the drugs or to keep drinking. Once you have admitted that you truly have a problem, then the rest of the steps become easier as this shows that you have the courage to beat addiction.
#2: Seek out for help and support
A professional’s help is highly recommended for this instead of just relying on your friends or family. This can include the different types of therapy:
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
You can even join support groups, but eventually, the main idea is for you to realize that there is a whole world out there that you are missing out on because of this disorder which you can treat.
#3: Reflect on how it has changed you
One of the best ways to escape is by listing down all the things and people who used to be and still are important to you and reflect how addiction has negatively impacted all those activities and people. A great way to do this is by keeping a journal to help you come up with a plan for how to stop addiction.
#4: Appreciate the positives of sobriety
This is a wonderful way for you to remember the happiness you felt before being trapped in this drug mess. Some of the examples of the positives of sobriety include:
Better sense of freedom
Improved medical and physical health
Better financial stability
Healthy relationships with people you love, ex: friends and family
More time to spend on what you truly love to do.
#5: Identify and take note of your triggers
List down what triggers you on the inside to take those drugs. This will help you identify what you need to be more cautious about and get a friend or family to help you take care of these triggers. One of the most common ones is stress, and in order to prevent this, you should change the environment you are settled in.
#6: Change of environment
Avoid people, places, and scenarios that encourage you to use drugs. During your recovery, you will experience many different changes including, the way you cope with stress and who you hang out with, which is totally okay.
#7: Exercise
There is no explanation needed for this one. One only knows how pleasant exercising can feel. You’ll improve your health in this manner and feel endorphins being released naturally. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve sleep.
#8: Accept the past
Yes, it may be embarrassing to accept the fact that you have/had an addiction, but you have to accept it and move on. Show the world how far you’ve come and the better person you have become instead of hiding it. This gives you an opportunity for change in the future.
Where can I go for help?
There are many different organizations and groups of people who are out there willing to help you get rid of your addiction. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Some of the websites, places, and numbers that you can call are listed below.
Link to national helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
American Addiction Center: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment
Treatments to help you tackle with addiction: https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/successful-treatments-for-addiction
The New England Recovery Center: 153 Oak St.
Call: (877) 697-3422
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Hotlines: (866) 929-7371
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