Treating a Drug Addiction - Drug Addiction

Once someone has recognised that they have a problem the next step is treatment for their addiction. This can be compared to a journey in that there will be ups and downs but many people do beat their addiction at the end of it.

Recognising you have an addiction

Recognising that you have an addiction is a very difficult thing to do as many people enter into self-denial about their habit. Drug addiction takes control over someone’s life to the extent that they are controlled by their need for that drug and find ways of excusing their habit rather than recognising it for what it is.

In this sense, denial is a self-defence mechanism.

If you have realised that you have a problem then you have taken the first and most important step to beating your addiction. Treatment cannot be undertaken without you being aware of your addiction and are prepared to do something about it.

Anyone who admits that they have a problem is doing something which requires a great deal of courage. It is not easy to admit to yourself or others that you are addicted but doing so means that you are ready to be treated.

What you have to do is be prepared to make changes to many if not all aspects of your life. This can mean a change of friends, job or social aspects and whilst this isn’t easy it is important to remove yourself from those things which could cause you to relapse.

Risk of relapse

Relapse is a part of the recovery process. It does happen and is not a sign of failure. People do relapse, some more than once but if it happens then it is important to be pragmatic about it. Accept that is has happened and then move on.

You are human and it is part of being human. 

This is where help and support are vital. It is important that you get support when trying to give up your addiction rather than try to go it alone. It can be easy to be tempted by one more cigarette, drink or a ‘hit’ but this is where a support network can help. It is easier if you have the support of family and friends especially when you are on a downer or are trying to resist the cravings.

Overcoming an addiction is not just a case of willpower or going ‘cold turkey’. It requires a treatment plan which clearly sets out what steps you will take to beat your addiction.

Finding the right treatment

It is important to choose the right treatment for you. Everyone is different in this aspect and some people more than others respond better to certain forms of treatment and vice versa. It may be the case that rehab is better for you or counselling plus a local support group.

Whatever you choose it is a case of finding what works for you and sticking with it.

There will be times when it seems like too much or you become downhearted or discouraged but this is where the support of others can help. Being around people who are in the same situation as you or who have gone through this enables you to realise that you are not alone in this and that if others can beat their addiction then so can you.

So what treatment is available?

There is a wide range of treatment available which includes:

• Abstinence
• Acupuncture
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Counselling
• Detox
• Hypnosis
• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Rehabilitation
• Relapse prevention
• Self-help
• Therapy

These are all discussed on an individual basis in this guide.

There is medical help available in the form of GP’s, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists. These people have undergone specialist training in treating addiction and are seen as a vital part of the process.

Breaking an addiction involves a combination of approaches which include medication, counselling, therapy and support groups. Some people will require more help than others but it is important to realise that addiction affects both the mind and the body so a multiple approach is required.

So where do you start?

This section of the guide will take you through the various stages of the treatment process. This starts with assessing the level of addiction, a look at the various forms of treatment available and support/self-help groups.

The journey to beating an addiction starts with recognition of your problem, followed by an evaluation of the problem followed by treatment for your problem.

If you know someone who needs treatment for their addiction or are the parent of a child who has developed an addiction then also have a look through this section. It provides information and advice for people, who have an addiction, are worried about an addiction in someone else or who want to learn more about the subject.