Recovering from an addiction can be a difficult and painful process, both mentally and physically. Becoming free from addiction takes time, effort, dedication and strong support from family, loved ones and healthcare professionals. All addictive substance shave a powerful effect on the chemical makeup of your brain and body and cause feelings of euphoria and cravings that are hard to ignore. Often those who are addicted to drugs find themselves having to use more frequently and use larger quantities of drugs to get the same effects and to satisfy their urges. This can lead to situations that jeopardize an addicts health, safety and wellbeing.

Addiction is a chronic illness that can be very hard to overcome but full recovery is possible. With the right mindset, proper care and willpower, following these four steps can help combat addiction and lead to a healthier, happier,drug-free life.

The Four Steps to Success

Step 1 – Acknowledgement

Many people suffering from an addiction live in denial. It is much easier to believe that you don’t have an addiction then to admit that you do and have to deal with the recovery process. Often this denial can be the number one factor that is hindering someone’s success in overcoming their addiction. While this denial can be difficult to defeat, if someone is capable of realizing that they have a problem and that drugs or alcohol are interfering with their normal, daily life, then they are one step closer to recovery.

Step 2 – Trust your support system

Recovering from an addiction is made much easier when there is a strong support system that can offer their love and encouragement. Staying away from those who enable an addict or contribute to their addiction is imperative for success. Having trust in family and friends and knowing that they are there to help in any situation can make the recovery process much smoother.

Step 3 – Seek professional help

In most cases of drug or alcohol addiction, a full recovery isn’t possible without the assistance of healthcare professionals. Doctors can offer prescription medication that can help to decrease the cravings associated with the addiction and can provide drugs that will lessen the severity of the withdrawal symptoms that are usually felt. Also, therapy and counselling can help to work through the psychological aspects of addiction and can help to identify and properly deal with behaviours that may contribute to relapse in the future.

Step 4 –  Never give up

Addiction is a chronic, life-long illness and the chance of a future relapse is always a scary possibility. It is important to remain strong and stay compliant with any prescription medications or therapy techniques that have been prescribed by doctors. It is also vital to stay away from addictive substances and situations that may encourage addictive behaviours. A positive mindset and a focus on a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle are imperative to remaining free from addiction.

Like any illness, it takes time to recover from an addiction. It is often an uncomfortable and painful process but by adhering to these four steps, the road to recovery can be made a little bit shorter and easier. The combination of a positive mindset, support from loved ones, good medical care and the willpower to overcome obstacles in the future are the keys to successfully recovering and living addiction free.