Overcoming Drug Addiction

Most people realize that if they have a drug addiction, they need to get help from a medical professional or rehab facility. This is a complicated process that will allow the drug addict to recover from a physical addiction, but how will this person be able to proceed in overcoming drug addiction psychologically? Drug abuse takes a huge toll on an individual's mental and spiritual state. Here are a few steps in overcoming the mental addiction.

A Change in Lifestyle. Usually when a person becomes addicted to drugs, they are following a pattern of behavior and living a certain lifestyle. If this individual wishes to no longer be addicted to drugs, they need to get involved in other things and stay busy. By not allowing time or room for drugs to consume one's life, it will be that much easier for them to overcome addiction.

Friends Matter. Start spending time with friends who don't use drugs. It is important to respect others' lifestyles, and by expanding your friend base to others who do not live the way you do, you will begin to see the world in a new light. Look at situations and opportunities as they do. Also, if the individual who abuses drugs begins to spend time around others who don't, they won't feel as though that is the 'thing to do.'

Get Out and About. When a person decides to go out, they should start doing the opposite of what they usually do. Say that this person usually spends Friday night at the bar. Instead, they should try something like going on a long walk with a close friend, or to a late-night cafe or coffee bar. Try volunteering on the weekends or spending time with friends and family who don't abuse substances.

Appearance Change. Many people do not realize that appearance is nearly everything. By dressing in a certain way, we are expressing our creative side – we are being who we want to be. In an abuser's situation, try taking a second look. Dress in a sharp and clean way. When others see a person dressed in this way, they begin thinking of them in that way, as a sharp, clean person.

Keep Reminding and Remembering. Many people start to change there lives, begin feeling good, and then drop back down into their old habits. This becomes an unhealthy cycle. Don't allow this to happen! An addict or abuser should constantly remind themselves of how terrible their lives were as a drug user. This will help them to see how changing all of the little things really makes a difference in the long run.

If the addict cannot take control of their life without guidance, they should not be ashamed. This is not an easy undertaking. Overcoming drug addiction is much more complex than most people realize. If you know someone who needs help, or if you need help, do not hesitate to get it. Become the person you want to be.