As Unlock Drama supports Recovery Month this September by running projects at HMPYOI Doncaster and HMP Ranby we are also pleased to share this blog.
"Adam Cook is the founder of Addiction Hub, which locates and catalogs addiction resources.He is very much interested in helping people find the necessary resources to save their lives from addiction. His mission is to provide people struggling with substance abuse with resources to help them recover."
Some of the most inspirational stories are those of people overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, in certain situations, like drug addiction, it can seem like there is no way out. But with determination, support, and a carefully structured day, you can begin your path toward recovery. Unlock Drama outlines some ways you can start moving forward.
One of the most dangerous feelings for an addict is loneliness. The sense of not having any support or unconditional love can often lead to a relapse. This is why it is so critical for recovering addicts to seek out support themselves. Social connections reduce stress by taking some of the burden off of your shoulders. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to join a group; you can also meet on an individual basis or talk on the phone. The important thing is to have someone you can count on to be present in your life and during struggles.
Now that you have started to eliminate your addiction, you’ll need something else to fill the time you previously spent using. This can be a perfect time to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine by making smarter choices. Exercise, for instance, boosts brainpower and feelings of self-worth while releasing dopamine, the same chemical released during drug usage. This is why a good exercise session can leave you feeling uplifted and optimistic.
Also, take the time to watch your diet. To ease the discomfort of withdrawal, you’ll need to drink plenty of water and eat lots of dark, leafy vegetables. These practices will help your body to detox and keep your energy up. Finally, try to go to bed earlier. A full night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental and physical condition the next day.
By filling your schedule with healthy habits, you will have made it easier to avoid the temptation of relapsing. According to Verywell Mind, there are five major temptations that lead to relapse: 1) stress; 2) people connected to addiction; 3) negative emotions; 4) exposure to your addictive substance; 5) celebration. Living with your health in mind will help fill your free time, while finding a support system will help you remove negative influences from your life. Meditation and a general paradigm shift can help with stress and self-worth.
If you are still having difficulties, you may want to consult a professional. Inpatient rehab can be a way for you to get the structure and support you need to overcome your addiction. Inpatient facilities are safe residential environments that remove the stress of daily life and provide access to therapists, groups, and other amenities to help you grow as a person.
There are many different types of facilities -- some are gender-specific, some are tailored specifically for business professionals or executives, some are religious, and others incorporate various forms of holistic therapy. Holistic approaches seek to find a balance between the emotional, physical, social, and mental sides of an addiction. They can include meditation, yoga, water exercises, and person-centered therapy. Used in conjunction with traditional therapy or inpatient programs, holistic therapy can be extremely effective at calming each facet of withdrawal.
These strategies can also help with co-occurring disorders, which Psychology Today explains are disorders independent from your addiction. Many of the negative effects can be intensified with co-occurring disorders, which makes it important that you seek help and inform your therapist as soon as possible, as you may require a longer treatment phase.
If you are a family member or friend of someone struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may want to try any means necessary to get them into therapy or an inpatient facility. But remember that force won’t work. Start by being gentle and showing your support. You may even wish to enlist a group of your loved one’s friends. If you are feeling nervous about bringing up the subject, consult a psychologist or therapist beforehand to be prepared. Recovery is a process, and you can play a great role in helping your loved one move forward.
