When you’re struggling with substance abuse, it can be difficult to have hope and look toward the future. You may want to start the recovery process but don’t know where to begin. There are a few important steps to addiction recovery to ensure you can start the journey of breaking free of addiction.
Seek Support
It can be difficult to start the recovery process if you feel isolated and alone while abusing drugs or alcohol. Reach out to family members and friends that you trust to obtain their support. Remain open in your communication and apologize for any mistakes that have affected your relationships. If you feel that this isn’t an option for you, there are hotlines and crisis centers set up to provide support, especially if you feel like you can’t recover or don’t deserve to. These people can help you find the resources you need.
Find an Addiction Treatment Center
One of the best ways to obtain the tools and resources you need is to find an additional treatment center where you can enroll in an inpatient or outpatient program. Addiction recovery requires working with qualified professionals who can provide you with behavioral therapy and create an individualized treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Enrolling in one-on-one therapy and group therapy will allow you to learn more about the root cause of your addiction and common triggers to avoid in the future. They also can provide a safe place for you to detox and recover.
Detox
You’ll need to go through the detox process to break the cycle of addiction. Most medical professionals recommend detoxing in a controlled facility where you’re monitored due to the dangerous side effects that can occur when you stop using drugs or alcohol. Many treatment facilities offer medically-assisted detoxing to make the process easier on your body. This process can take anywhere from one to two weeks, and you’ll likely be feeling the effects of the detox for weeks afterward.
Create a Plan for the Future
After you recover from an addiction, it’s important to create a plan for the future to reduce the risk of relapsing. Avoid revisiting areas where you used drugs or alcohol and try to find new people to spend time with who won’t put your sobriety at risk. Try to find new activities you enjoy to ensure you stay busy and don’t become bored, which can make it easier to return to an old addiction.
It’s also important to create goals to work towards to remain motivated to stay clean. You may want to further your education, advance your career, or become a homeowner.
Taking the first steps to addiction recovery can allow you to have a plan and hope for the future. Following the right tips can allow you to regain control of your life and avoid feeling like your former addiction controls you. Overall, the first steps are often the hardest, but they’re also the quickest way to get your life back in your hands and on the path to recovery.