Health and Wellness

How to Deal With Addiction, and the Journey to Recovery

Journey to Recovery

About 23.5 million people in the US are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12.

Unfortunately, only 11% of those with addiction ever receive treatment. That’s a treatment gap of over 20 million Americans. 

Many people struggle to realize they have an addiction in the first place.

Keep reading to learn how to deal with an addiction. After reading this guide, you’ll know how to spot the signs. You can also support a loved one through the recovery process.

There’s no shame in getting help to recover from addiction. Instead, start the road to recovery with these tips today. 

Signs of Addiction

First, it helps to learn how to recognize addiction (either in yourself or a loved one). Here are a few signs of addiction to keep watch for. If these signs of addiction sound familiar, you might want to consider rehabilitation. 

1. Doctor’s Orders

Prolonged alcohol and drug use can damage your health over time. If your doctor is worried about your health, listen up. Otherwise, prolonged addiction can damage internal organs like your:

  • Heart
  • Brain
  • Liver

Your risk of hepatitis C, heart failure, HIV, and other conditions could increase, too. 

You might not realize the damage you’re causing your own body at first. If your doctor is urging you to seek help, listen. Otherwise, alcohol can cause:

  • The frontal lobes of your brain to shrink
  • Blackouts
  • Dependence
  • Heart damage
  • Hallucinations
  • Behavior changes
  • Cancer
  • Slurred speech
  • Liver damage
  • Frequent diarrhea
  • Infertility
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Malnutrition
  • Diabetes complications
  • Changes in coordination
  • Thinning bones
  • Birth defects
  • Lung infections
  • Fatigue
  • Pancreatitis
  • Numbness
  • Muscle cramps

If you’ve started experiencing these physical symptoms, ask for advice to deal with addiction. Consider starting rehab to get the help you need. 

2. Reckless Behavior

Drug and alcohol use can lower your inhibitions, leading to reckless behavior. For example, you might decide to drive under the influence. You could struggle to make responsible decisions, too.

In fact, you might make dangerous, life-threatening choices instead. Your reckless behavior could put yourself or others at risk.

Your friends and family members might notice your reckless behavior before you do. If they speak up about your choices, listen. Make a change before you put someone’s life in jeopardy. 

3. Friends and Family

Remember, the people around you might notice a change before you do. If they speak up about your drug or alcohol use, listen.

Drug and alcohol use can put a strain on your relationships, too. You might start hiding your addiction. You could start lying or avoid social situations as well.

If this behavior sounds family, don’t push your loved ones away. Instead, lean on them. They can help you discover how to deal with addiction.

4. Withdrawal

After a while, your body can grow dependent on your substance of choice. If you try to quit on your own, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Cramps
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Nausea

Some people begin using again, simply to end their withdrawal symptoms. If you’re struggling to quit, seek professional help. You can complete a medical detox under the supervision of medical professionals.

They can ease some of your symptoms and help you complete a successful recovery.

5. Legal Consequences

Remember, addiction can cause you to lose your inhibitions. It can also lead to reckless behavior like buying drugs, stealing, or drunk driving. You could become violent or get drunk in public, too.

Your behavior could lead to legal consequences. If you were recently arrested due to drug or alcohol use, seek help.

Otherwise, the legal consequences you experience could impact your future. 

6. You Can’t Stop

Sometimes, it can feel difficult to quit on your own. If you’re not sure how to stop, seek help. You can learn how to deal with addiction from a team of professionals.

Their coping mechanisms and addiction recovery tips can set you up for success. 

How to Deal With Addiction

Learning how to deal with addiction isn’t a solo process.

First, make the decision that you need help. Establish your short- and long-term goals. For example, maybe you have a short-term goal of detoxing.

Perhaps your long-term goals are staying sober for a month, six months, or a year.

Then, take the time to identify your triggers. Places, people, or emotions could trigger your substance abuse. Identifying your triggers can help you avoid them.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can get help to recover from addiction from:

  • Doctors
  • Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Other healthcare professionals
  • A drug and alcohol sobriety center
  • Friends and family members

Surround yourself with support before, during, and after your rehabilitation.

How to Support a Loved One

As a loved one, learning how to recognize addiction is only the first step. You’ll also need to help your loved one realize there’s a problem.

Remain patient. Try to help them recognize the signs of addiction you noticed. Help them recognize how addiction impacts their health, relationships, and future.

Remain open and honest. Try not to speak out of anger.

Remind them that you’re there to help. Your support could make all the difference.

Take the time to research their specific addiction. Research can help you maintain an objective perspective. It can also answer any questions you have.

Try to remain positive, too. Show your loved one the benefits of seeking help to recover from addiction.

For example, they can get a second lease on life. They can repair their damaged relationships or career.

Help them review their treatment options, too. If they complete rehab but need additional help, discuss an additional treatment program.

Try to avoid placing blame on anyone. Guilt might scare your loved one from seeking help. Don’t lecture or preach, either. 

Instead, try to offer the help and support they need through this challenging point in their life.

How to Deal With Addiction: Your Guide to Beginning the Road to Recovery

Learning how to deal with addiction is a constant work in process. These tips can help you or a loved one begin the road to recovery. Remember to remain patient.

Gather advice to deal with addiction from a professional team for additional help.

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