Trying to overcome alcohol and drug addiction is a very difficult task for most people. Abstinence can be an overwhelming process when you have to face the same temptations day after day that originally led you down this destructive path. In order to prevent yourself from falling back into the same old habits, it is important to change things up. Some useful techniques for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction are as follows:
Change Your Environment
Sometimes it's hard to stop drinking or doing drugs because your mind is constantly being bombarded with the same reminders (people, places and events) that you were used to when you were still drinking. Your brain then automatically connects these memories with the addiction and craves it. Some people address this by going into a rehab facility for a period of time. Or, you can go stay at your sister’s house for a while, go away on a vacation, or simply avoid all of the old places you used to frequent. It’s time to start fresh by going to the library, new restaurants or the movies.
Change Your Social Circle
This is absolutely imperative to any type of withdrawal. Stay AWAY from the people that you used to drink with. They're like magnets charged with negative energy that want and WILL negatively affect your efforts. You'll start drinking again, because these people are addicts and they want YOU to continue this behavior with them so they don’t feel alone. Replace these old friends with people who will help support your sobriety. Find friends who understand what you are going through and will be real and honest with you.
Enjoy Yourself
Do something you really like. When you initially stop drinking or doing drugs, the first difficulty you will encounter is filling the time you would have spent indulging with something else. Try to find some other source of enjoyment besides alcohol so that you are not sitting at home bored. Find a source of long term happiness like taking cooking classes, going to the gym, doing charity work or starting new friendships.
Take Care of Yourself Physically
After years of alcohol or drug abuse, you will find that your health has become compromised. Initially, you will experience cravings for these substances and you might also have headaches, tremors and nausea. During this time it is important to eat healthy, balanced meals and to get plenty of rest. This will help your body to heal itself and you will ultimately feel more energetic as your body regains physical health.
Find A Source Of Support
It’s hard for individuals who are struggling with addiction to overcome this habit on their own. If you like group experiences, go to AA meetings; surround yourself with people who care about you and want to see you stay sober; and most importantly educate yourself! With today’s technology, high quality educational alcohol and drug awareness classes are available for you to take online. This gives you the support, knowledge and intellectual experience you need to help you get your life back. Classes are readily available and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the comfort of your own home and whenever you feel like it. Be sure to confirm that a licensed and practicing psychotherapist designs the course you decide on, so you can be sure that the information is current and accurate. Also, choose a class in which you can get a hold of a therapist to discuss any questions that arise while taking the course.
These classes can help you to regain control of your life because they will train you how to recognize and defeat your enemy. The best way to defeat alcohol or drug addiction is to learn everything about it so you are armed with the knowledge necessary to overcome the abuse.