Drug addiction is a serious mental illness that can be difficult for everyone involved; from the person using to their closest friends and family. If you are worried that you, or someone you love has a drug problem, then here are some tips from the experts in order to help you deal with it successfully.
Admit the Problem
This is one of the hardest things to do for any drug addict, but is the first step to recovery. If you have even the slightest inclination that you have a drug problem, then that should be enough of a push to seek help. If you’re worried about a friend or family member using drugs, then try to talk to them and see if they can admit that they have a problem. Only when the signs are recognised, and the user admits they have an addiction, will any progress be able to be made.
Talk it Out
The next step is to find someone you trust enough to talk to about the problem. It doesn’t have to be a doctor or professional, it could just be a close friend or family member. There is always the worry that talking about it can make it more real, but if you’ve already admitted to yourself that there is a problem then this is the next vital step. Once you have confided in someone, you will feel a lot more relieved, as you have finally shared the thing that has been worrying you for so long. If someone talks to you about their drug addiction then make sure you’re there to listen, judgement free.
Expert Help
The problem with drug addiction is that it is a mental illness, which means that it isn’t something that can just be combated with sheer willpower; at least it is very rare to deal with an addiction this way. If you want to be free of the drug’s hold then you will need to seek some form of expert help to help you do so. There are various rehabilitation centres such as Life Works, that your doctor may recommend, or they may suggest that you go to weekly meetings. Make sure you stress to your doctor how much you want to get better, if you feel they are not taking your problem seriously.
Expect Relapses
Drug addiction is a chronic disease, which means that it is very difficult to be fully cured from. Instead, a drug addict can expect to battle with this disease for their whole life, which means that relapses are bound to happen. This shouldn’t be seen as a failure, however, and doesn’t mean that all is lost. Instead, use coping methods and the tips above to start your road to recovery again. Many drug addicts will relapse, but there are also many who relapse and have a perfectly healthy and happy life once they’re back on the road to recovery.
Trying to battle drug addiction is not easy, even for the most strong-willed people. Once you recognise that there is a problem, and that is an illness and not a character flaw, then you will be able to start your recovery. We wish you all the luck in the world!
