Have You Made Up Your Mind About Kicking An Addiction: Here Are The Next Steps

If you are dealing with an addiction, getting help is an option. You have made that decision, your next steps will be in this guide. It’s clear that you have done the right thing. 

Not a lot of people will choose to get help by their own free will. It may take an intervention from family members and friends. It may take some coaxing before they finally get the help needed.

If you need more information on treatment options, Ascendant NY will be able to help. Now, let’s dive right in and talk more about what you need to do next.

Talk to a loved one about your addiction 

Your friends or family may be aware that you’re dealing with an addiction. If not, your first step will be to let them know about it. Tell them how long it’s been going on and what may have led to it.

Don’t forget to inform them that you are getting help for it. Nine times out of ten, they will be supportive of you. It’s important that you share this struggle with someone that will reserve no negative judgment for you.

By this, we mean family members or friends that are not involved with drugs. You’ll want to be as transparent as possible about your struggles. Ask for their support and they will gladly give it to you.

Consider your treatment options

Treatment plans will differ between one person and the next. It will be based on several factors. For example, someone who has been addicted to opioids for a year may need inpatient treatment given the severity of the withdrawal symptoms that can occur.

If you have had an addiction for a few months and it’s not serious, an outpatient treatment may be acceptable. Nothing will be put together for sure until you are evaluated by a counselor. You may also be screened for a mental disorder since addiction may be triggered by them.

Whether it’s a dual diagnosis or if you are diagnosed with an addiction alone, there’s a treatment plan that will be designed for you. As for choosing the rehab or detox center, it will also be based on the affordability options.

Inpatient treatment will be more expensive compared to outpatient options. It may be covered by insurance or you may be paying most of it out of pocket. Again, it will come down to the evaluation process.

Follow through with your treatment plan

The next step is a bit self-explanatory. Your treatment plan will be designed and you will be able to follow it step-by-step. This can be a challenge, but know that you have it within you to get through it all.

The treatment plan will last weeks or months. This will depend on the factors involved. You may undergo medication related treatment to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

You will also undergo regular therapy sessions. Your support group will grow as you go. You will have family members, the professionals working along with you, and your fellow recovering addicts by your side.

Your treatment plan will need to be followed. No steps skipped. No stones unturned.

As you go through your treatment, it’s important to take this next step more seriously.

Plan for the future

Planning for life after treatment is important. Take a moment to think about what you want to do with your life after all of this. What will your addiction-free life look like.

Will you live a healthier lifestyle? What will your exercise and diet plan look like? How will you spend time with your family.

There are so many questions to ask and so many answers to go along with it. The thought of the future may excite you. You want to live a life without ever worrying about a relapse.

If you are planning for the future, journal it on a regular basis. Think of an ideal day in your life after addiction treatment. Read the journal entry as many times and visualize it.

That visualization will soon become reality. If you can think of it, it is possible. All it takes is for you to make the right choices and take action.

Cover your bases in case of a relapse

A relapse can still occur long after your treatment is completed. It may be a good idea to consider putting together a plan in case it happens. This means putting together a list of trusted people (including professionals you have worked with).

Remember that there is no shame in relapsing. You will be able to bounce back better than ever. You will put yourself ahead of those who don’t have a plan in case they relapse.

A relapse plan should be used in the event of an emergency. You may not need to use it. But it’s there just in case you do.

Live your life as planned

At this point, you can live the addiction-free life that you planned on. Make sure that you steer clear of environments that may trigger a potential relapse. Spend time with your family and do the things that you all love.

Think about it: life knowing that addiction is out of the way is fulfilling and relaxing. You’re on the right path and old life is a thing of the past. You’ll think nothing of it aside from having to tell stories about it to those who may be in need.

Final Thoughts

As you begin your journey towards beating addiction, you will be aware of the distance you will go. You will be able to accomplish this mission no matter how long it takes. The rewards are fulfilling and you can be able to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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