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- 21 Dec 2021
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- 4 minutes
Addiction is a condition that affects many people in the United States and worldwide. The good news is that there are ways to treat addiction and break free from this debilitating illness. If you or someone close to you has an addiction, they must get help right away before they suffer. This article will continue to explore how you can make yourself feel ready for the journey ahead when you want to recover from addiction!
Ask for help
When you are feeling overwhelmed about the idea of starting addiction recovery, you should ask for help. This can be from friends or a family member, and professionals who work in support groups and organizations that deal with drug abuse issues every day.
If your loved ones know what to expect during this process, they will not only have more patience when things get tough, but they will also feel better equipped to offer tips on how they got through difficult times themselves. As mentioned at irecover.ca, everyone has different obstacles to overcoming addiction, so don't assume that one person's coping skills won't work for you either! A professional treatment center works with countless people struggling with similar problems every day. When you go in for a consultation, tell them exactly where you're stuck in the process and ask for their suggestions.
Educate yourself on the symptoms of drug withdrawal
It's important to know what to expect as you begin the recovery process. In many cases, drug withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on what type of substance someone has been using and how long they have used it. Regardless of the specific symptoms a person may experience during detox or early recovery, there is no doubt that getting clean and sober is one of the most challenging things an individual will ever do in their life.
The best thing to do as you go through this challenging period is to educate yourself about the possible withdrawals. With the info, you will know more clearly what to expect when your body starts going through these changes after being adjusted to living with drugs or alcohol every day for such a prolonged amount of time. If you don't understand something, you tend not to fear it as much, so arming yourself with information about drug withdrawal can help you feel more mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
Get rid of anything that reminds you of drugs
If you're a drug addict, then there is a good chance that you will have to get rid of anything from your home or place of work that reminds you of using drugs. This includes staying away from the places where you used to do them and the people involved with it. You can't expect yourself to feel ready if things around you are constantly triggering memories back into your mind about how much fun these times were for you when in reality, they weren't at all-it was just an escape. Getting rid of everything associated with addiction helps keep those thoughts out and allow room for new ones instead, which helps in guiding towards recovery.
Create a plan to fight cravings
Cravings will be one of the biggest challenges you face when recovering from addiction. To help fight cravings, create a plan that includes healthy snacks and activities to keep yourself busy.
You can get a hobby, go for a walk, or watch your favorite movie. This stops cravings from controlling you and helps to get on the path of recovery.
Keep records of it all in a journal that will allow you to look back at how far you have come once overcoming addiction is complete!
Eat healthy foods
It's important to take care of yourself physically and mentally when starting your addiction recovery journey. Eating healthy foods will help boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
You can start by choosing a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
You should also cut down on any sugars or processed foods you may be eating, leading to energy slumps in between meals. Instead, choose snacks that are high in protein, such as unsalted nuts, seeds, or legumes, for an afternoon pick me up when your blood sugar levels begin to dip.
Some good options include celery with almond butter, oatmeal raisin cookies made with oats instead of white flour; hummus made from garbanzo beans rather than chickpeas (containing fewer carbs); sunflower seed spread made with olive oil instead of peanut butter.
Addiction journey can be difficult, but it is worth taking the necessary steps to feel ready for it. Many helpful tips can guide you in the right direction and make the process less daunting. With a positive attitude, dedication, and support from loved ones, you can overcome addiction and start living a healthy and fulfilling life.
