Saturday, April 27, 2013

Simple tips to avoid going back to drugs

By Jason Moses


Being an addict is like living in a world where no one understands you and they all seem to be against you, all out to deny you the happy and care free feeling that comes from the drugs. It's a world where the addicts reality is warped and even in their sober moments when they know the harm they are doing to themselves they just seem unable to quit.

Among the reasons why addicts may have such a hard time quitting is the chemical alteration that drugs cause to the brain which in turn causes the body and mind unable to work normally without the drug. For many what started out as harmless experimentation with prescription medication evolves to dependency on a drug until finally they become addicted and unable to help themselves.

Abuse of prescription medication is one of the most common gateways to drug use and addiction. Drugs such as Oxycontin which contains oxycodone, a narcotic pain reliever is an example of a drug that is widely abused because of the powerful high and euphoric effects it is known to induce in the user.

This drug is prescription only and most people who abuse it will obtain it using forged prescriptions or from people selling it illegally. What many users don't realize is that when you stop taking it you experience severe oxycodone withdrawal which can be quite unbearable and last for weeks.

It is not all hopeless for people looking to be free from drugs or in rehabilitation programmes, they are some things they can do ensure they remain clean. They include:

1. Self honesty

The first step to recovery is to admit that you have a problem with a particular substance. Doing this will prepare you mentally to receive any help or advice that will be offered by an addiction counselor or doctor.

2. Getting on a recovery program

While frowned upon by many addicts recovery and addiction treatment programs are still the most effective way of overcoming addiction. Those who attempt recovery on their own usually have short lived results that end in a relapse.

3. Going beyond sobriety

To truly remain free from drugs you need to not just think about how you will stay clean but also how you will remain clean. You can do this by identifying the things that drove you to or contributed to you going into addiction so that you can avoid them next time.

4. Make amends

Addiction takes a heavy personal toll on the person not only financially but also personally alienating friends and family. You need to make amends with these people to regain their love and trust once more.

5. Dealing with difficulty

Learning how to cope with failure or difficulty is also an important step in recovery as doing so will help you avoid relapsing every time you are faced with a problem.

6. Learn to value relationships

Family or friends are there for you in your good and bad times; learn to appreciate them as you recover. Most of the times they are the ones who will be there for you when no one else is.

It may seem like the tips mentioned are all too easy or obvious to be of any good but a lot of the times you will find that great problems are solved by simple things that were not considered.




About the Author:



No comments: