If you struggle with an addiction, you probably feel alone and helpless. You want to fix your problems, but you don’t know where to start and you’re afraid of being judged. Thankfully, there are many systems in place to help you recover from this illness and lead a fulfilling life. Take these steps today to regain control of your future.
Talk To Medical Professionals
Although many people see addiction as a choice or the result of laziness, it is actually an illness, and any medical professionals you talk to understand that. Because addiction has severe effects on your health, you should seek medical attention right away. Start with your primary health care provider unless your life is in danger, in which case you should call 911. Doctors can refer you to rehabilitation centers and help you with intermediary solutions such as how to take suboxone.
Sign Up For Counseling
If you want to overcome your addiction, you need to address the mental health problems that cause it. A counselor can help you work through depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and more. Most health insurance programs cover counseling appointments, and you only have to pay a small amount for each meeting.
Find A Change Of Scenery
It’s hard to recover in an area that contains the same triggers for your addiction. If possible, move into temporary housing such as a rehabilitation facility or move to a new city permanently. Talk to your counselor about relocation programs that you may qualify for. This is a challenging step and may require that you break off toxic relationships with friends and family. However, it is essential to ensure your long-term health.
Build A New Support Network
Because of the stigmas around addiction, you probably don’t want to tell anybody about your struggles. However, if you want to be successful, you need to have a network of people who know what you’re going through and can support and challenge you. Your network includes your counselor and primary health care provider, but you also need people to help you in your day-to-day life. Choose people who will keep your secrets to themselves but will also hold you accountable for your actions. For example, your partner, children, parents, and best friends are good people to have in your support network, as long as they do not tie you to your old habits.
Track Your Progress
Use a journal or app to track how many days you’ve been clean. Record your emotions and struggles every day so that you can look back and see how far you’ve come. This also serves as an accountability check for yourself; you’re less likely to fall back into old habits if you think about writing down what you’ve done later.
Many people suffer from addiction and think that there’s no way forward. Thankfully, this is not true, and if you take these steps, you give yourself a new chance at life. Remember, it’s never too late to start over, particularly if you enlist the help of professionals and loved ones.
*collaborative post
