3
Dec

How to Beat Drug Addiction

Many people who have come to the realization that they have a problem usually do not know where to start when looking for information on how to beat drug addiction. This day and age, the typical solution is the internet. And for good reason. The internet provides a wealth of information at anyone’s fingertips, 24/7, around the world. But it is also filled with would-be how-to guides simply so companies can either sell a product or service. So how can you differentiate between information that sounds good and what can actually help you overcome drug addiction?

Be Aware of Misinformation

Real recovery, meaning not only abstinence from drugs and alcohol but also freedom from the misery of an addicts mind, takes work. Many websites, especially those promoting quick fix “how-to” guides or trying to add another client to their revolving-door recovery center, do not go into the kind of effort and dedication that it will take for a real addict or alcoholic to attain sobriety. And for good reason. If they told them, far less people would even give it a chance.

I am not saying that all of this information is wrong, in fact most of it is at least somewhat correct, but hearing the truth about a real drug or alcohol problem is usually very upsetting. Addiction is not something that can be fixed by the wave of a wand, or following the advice of a few paragraphs in a blog article. Real recovery takes work, and above all, it is near impossible to do it alone.

Making a Decision Isn’t Enough

Learning how to beat drug addiction is not simply something a person can just make a decision to do. Yes, making a choice to do something different is definitely a start, but for real drug addicts and alcoholics this simply is not enough. The unfortunate reality is, even people who know they have a problem and even decide to do something about it can still ultimately lead a miserable life until an untimely death.

For those of us who have experience around 12 step programs, you hear a lot about the “gift of desperation”. How being at a bottom leaves you in a state of mind where you are ready to try nearly anything to stop living the life of an addict; ultimately doing things you would normally have balked at.

For me, getting to the point where I was willing to do what it took to no longer abuse drugs or alcohol took time—a lot of it. Being honest with yourself that you not only have a problem but that you are willing to do whatever it takes to change takes an immense amount of commitment and dedication. It is no coincidence the first step of Alcoholics Anonymous revolves around the central theme of surrender.

Educate Yourself

I am not saying that the internet is completely full of misinformation. If that were true, writing this article would be an exercise in futility. I simply want to stress the point that just because someone stumbles upon some kind of solution that sounds good to them, it may not necessarily be the right one.

I know for myself, once I found out what sobriety entailed, not only was I surprised but also I had a distinct lack of effort when it came to putting in the required work. It took a long time for me to even just get to the point where I was willing to do enough to stay sober.

For more information about how to beat drug addiction, please visit the rest of our blog for interviews with professionals, real experiences from those who have attained sobriety, and resources on where to get help.

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

Form

Contact Us

    Call Us Now: (888) 357-7577

    Call Us Now: (888) 357-7577