If you’ve stumbled onto this blog, you’re probably what to do about your addiction (or maybe your loved one’s addiction).
I won’t bore you with a long intro paragraph on the stats surrounding opioids – you get it: they can kill you and permanently damage your brain and body.
So, let’s dive into 5 steps you can take TODAY to deal with your addiction.
Here’s What to Do About Your Addiction
Step 1: Listen to the Signs
First things first — you need to understand how far into addiction your body and mind have fallen.
You may be one of those people who just started to realize you’d rather be high on opiates than sober.
However, you may still be fully functioning in your day-to-day life, not letting up on life’s responsibilities, and can go a few days without.
On the other hand, you may find yourself seeking opioids in place of personal or professional obligations, distancing yourself from loved ones so that they don’t find out, or noticing physical changes in your body.
Some of the effects you might see include:
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Lack of hygiene
- Irregular sleep schedule
These symptoms may be your body’s signal that something isn’t right. Your next step is to figure out how to change it.
Step 2: Create a Plan
So, you’ve decided that it is time to make a change.
Creating your plan for recovery is important and worth taking some time to create. Having a good support system is a great first step in making your plan actionable.
Asking someone you trust to keep you accountable can help you maintain your goals and continue making progress without giving up.
Your usage of opioids may not be severe. In this case, your plan might only be to have a loved one check in to make sure your mental and physical health are doing well while you are on medication and that you are taking it properly.
However, if you are really struggling with addiction, you should include professional treatment in your plan.
In fact, clinicians will be able to help you create a manageable plan to overcome your addiction. They can give you the tools you need to help you stay on track and a timeline to achieve your recovery goals.
If you need more help creating a plan, there are plenty of drug addiction programs that can help. These programs vary by price and location, so be thoughtful in choosing which one is best for you.
Step 3: Be Smart About Funding the Plan
Treatment plans can be free, or they can be pretty expensive, depending on what you need and what you like.
If you are worried about the cost of rehab, take a look at what your insurance can do to help you. Searching for something like “Aetna rehab coverage” online is a great place to start.
Some types of treatment can be expensive, but if you are looking for a high level of care to achieve recovery, spending more may be the best option.
Step 4: Stick to the Plan
Now, this is where your support system and motivation come in. Making your plan can be easy, but following through can be more difficult than you think.
Dealing with addiction can be tough, but with the people you care about by your side and the right help, it is possible.
When it comes down to the hard moments in recovery, remember the reasons why you started in the first place. Maybe you want to change because of your health or your children. Find what motivates you and hang on to it.
Step 5: Figure Out What You’ll Do After You Finish The Plan
Completing your time in treatment is exciting! You have set out to achieve a tough goal, and you did it. Now, how do you maintain your success?
Making sure to keep that support system close, you CAN continue to live free of addiction. In fact, luxury rehabs such as The Hope House are focused on long-term health and sobriety.
You’ll likely be set up with a maintenance plan upon finishing your treatment. This might include staying away from certain substances, keeping track of your continued progress, or practicing alternative methods to pain relief.
When You’re Ready to Deal With Your Addiction, Remember That Recovery Is Possible
Whatever it may be, know that recovery is possible. You can overcome addiction, and you can change your health for the better.