People who have a substance use disorder may find that overcoming it is more difficult than they anticipated. They may believe that addiction is a myth and that they can quit whenever they want.

Anyone who is struggling with an addiction should learn how to overcome it. Recognizing that there is a problem and learning more about the quitting process are important first steps in recovery.

It is completely normal for someone who is struggling with substance abuse issues to feel helpless. Fortunately, there are free and confidential hotlines like Addiction Hotline (888) 672-2120. These hotlines' educated advisors can point you towards affordable treatment options, walk you through the process of entering treatment, and provide you with other resources to help you get started.

Though addiction recovery is difficult, it is treatable. You can overcome physical and mental challenges in order to recover if you have supportive resources and the right treatment approach.

You may be in denial about the impact of your addiction in the early stages of the process. Once you've made the decision to change, you can start planning your next steps.

1. Decision to change

• This is a critical step in overcoming an addiction. By acknowledging, you indicate that you are aware of a problem and wanting to address it.
• Making the decision to change and determining what that change will entail is a lengthy process. This is known as the contemplation stage because it entails deciding whether and how to change.
• Consultation with a doctor or addiction counselor is especially beneficial at this stage because they can help you understand the risks and what can lessen them.

2. Prepare to change

• Preparation includes removing addictive substances from your home as well as eliminating triggers in your life that may increase your chances of using those substances again.
• This includes removing any paraphernalia or other items. You may also need to alter your routine so that you have less contact with people or environments that trigger cravings.
• Other ways to prepare include deciding on a strategy for overcoming your addiction and gathering the resources you'll need to succeed.

3. Seek social support

• Making social relationships is perhaps the hardest preparation to make. Some relationships of people living with addictions may revolve around addictive behaviors.
• Make contact with friends and family who will help you achieve your goals.

4. Contact Healthcare Professionals

• It is a good idea to consult a doctor or a local drug clinic about whether you require medical assistance in quitting alcohol or drugs. There are medications available to help with withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, medical supervision may be required during the procedure.

5. Seek treatment to overcome an addiction

• There are numerous treatments available to help you overcome an addiction, including medical and psychological approaches.

Medications

• It can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms, keep people in treatment, and prevent relapse. The type of medication prescribed by a doctor is determined by the type of addiction being treated.

Psychotherapy

• Behavior therapies and other forms of psychotherapy can assist people in improving their coping skills, developing new behavior patterns, and changing the underlying thoughts that frequently contribute to addiction.

6. Managing withdrawal symptoms

• Withdrawal symptoms can be a challenging aspect of addiction recovery. The physiological aspects of withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant, similar to a bad flu, or even fatal.
• Fortunately, most of the acute withdrawal symptoms subside within a week or two of quitting. However, some people report that certain symptoms persist indefinitely.

7. Avoid relapse

• Relapse is quite common. However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse does not imply that treatment has failed. Relapse is a common part of the quitting process. This includes cravings and the belief that you can only have one.
• When you become aware of a relapse, the first step is to comprehend what transpired. Once you are aware of your triggers, you can take steps to lessen your likelihood of relapsing.

Everybody has a distinct experience when they quit. It's empowering to certain people. Others experience discomfort, difficulty, and frustration, often needing numerous attempts to succeed. While quitting, there is no right or wrong way to feel. You should get help and treatment whether you're depressed or continually feel the want to resume your addicted activity.

There are also some tips on overcoming an addiction.

1. Preparing for relationship changes

• As you recover from your addiction, your relationships may shift. To fully understand a new normal could take some time. However, if you have injured friends or family in the process, it may also take some time and work to rebuild trust.

2. Find distractions

• Find activities that will assist you pass the time and distract your thoughts from the cravings. While you wait for a yearning to pass, simple activities like talking to a buddy or watching television can serve as a good diversion.

3. Treat related mental health issues

• Taking care of any underlying mental health issues is another important factor of avoiding replacement addictions.
• Addiction can mask inner emptiness, despair, or dread as well as past trauma. Long-term alleviation for these can be offered with the aid of psychological therapies and/or drugs.

When it comes to recovering from addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Finding the treatment strategy that best suits your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including lifestyle modifications, behavior therapy, medications, and mutual support groups.

It requires ongoing dedication, which might falter at any time, but especially under pressure. Get assistance when you need it. People in recovery or experts in the field of addiction recognize your need for help.