Being trapped in a cycle of substance abuse and addiction can feel hopeless. If you’re currently struggling with substance abuse, you might not be able to see a way out– and those feelings of helplessness might just make your desire to use stronger.
The good news is that there absolutely is a way to recover from substance abuse and addiction, no matter what your situation is!
So how can I quit?
If you’ve been struggling with substance abuse for a while, you’ve probably tried to quit at least a few times– which means that you already know it’s much easier said than done.
Quitting is a process, not something that can be done at the drop of a hat. It requires some patience and hard work, but the ultimate result will be more than worth it.
In order to get started on your journey toward quitting, it might help to try and change your established methods of thinking in a few different ways.
It’s time to get honest
Honesty is probably the most important tool you can gain while you strive toward recovery. If you’re not able to be completely honest with yourself, you won’t be able to fully address the problems that you’ve been struggling with.
Take some time to truly consider your substance abuse. Is it affecting your work? Is it affecting your relationships? Is it affecting your health?
Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re not putting forth your best efforts at work because of your substance abuse. Or perhaps substance abuse has come between you and your family members and loved ones, causing strain in your important relationships.
These are difficult problems to face, but honesty is the only way to get started on fixing them.
While you’re focusing on finding honesty within yourself, be sure to try and be gentle with yourself, too. You didn’t choose to struggle with substance abuse, and your current problems as a result of that struggle aren’t your choice, either.
Beating yourself up won’t accomplish anything, and could even push you further back into substance abuse.
Examine your substance abuse habits
You might find it helpful to pay attention to the times you tend to seek out your substance of choice. For example: do you tend to start using first thing in the morning? Do you feel compelled to use after a long day at work, or after a difficult conversation?
Taking an objective look at your habits might help you to understand the motivations behind them. There’s a reason why you’re seeking out this particular substance, and if you notice when and why you’re using, you might gain some helpful insights.
Seek professional help
Although gaining insight and honesty on your own will be invaluable tools during your recovery, your chances of success in quitting are astronomically higher if you seek professional treatment for your issues with substance abuse.
Pecan Haven is an addiction recovery center located in Monroe, Louisiana, dedicated to helping people get their lives back from addiction and substance abuse. With a staff of qualified counselors, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, mental health technicians, and an ABAM-certified Addictionologist, Pecan Haven is prepared to help you face your problems head-on and prepare for a better life, free of addiction.
If you’re interested in working with us, feel free to give us a call today. You can also begin an assessment in order to determine your eligibility for our recovery program. We’re here to help and we can’t wait to hear from you!