Drug addiction is one of the hardest personal battles for one to overcome, yet it can be done. There are stages just as there are in any other situation. The first stage is denial. Sometimes people refuse to believe that they have a problem. They become agitated, irritable and angry when they are confronted about the problem. In this, the addict learns that the first step to beat drug addiction is to admit that there is a problem and seek help.
Get away from the temptation.
If you have a drug addiction, you need to get away from the people who are supplying you with drugs and getting high with you. Going into a residential treatment program is a very good way to do this, as it helps to remove the temptation and it allows you the time to completely detox and get clean while teaching you the things you need to know in order to stay clean once you go back out into the world. You could be doing drugs with a close friend but if you have decided to get help and he or she refuses, then you need to think about what is best for you. Get out, get help, get clean; then go to your friend’s family and your counselors and see if they can help you help your friend without you falling victim to drug addiction again.
Don't let drug addiciton beat you down!
Get into a support group.
Even after leaving a residential program, keep doing the aftercare part of it and stay involved in a support group. As you learn to live life in the real world without drugs, that support group will get you through the urges and cravings that surface with the stress of everyday life. Support groups are a way for you to successfully continue to stay free of drugs.
Make a new friend: yourself.
Do you remember life before drugs? Do you remember the things you used to do before you spent every evening holed up with a joint, a drink or a needle? That person was special and is waiting to reconnect with you. Look him or her up—you will be glad you did.
Stay away from old drug haunts.
Sometimes it is like losing touch with an old school friend, you simply have to learn to let go. Some friendships are not good for us. Do you allow your child to run around with a kid who carries a gun? Do not run around with someone who carries pot or cocaine or heroin, stay away from those who are still involved with drugs.
There are ways to beat drug addiction. Start with admitting the problem and finish with refusing defeat. It is a circle of success you will be grateful for and so will that old friend you used to know: yourself.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.