Opioids are either natural or synthetic painkillers derived from the poppy. They have been used by people for millennia, and are highly addictive. Unfortunately, the addictive properties of the painkillers mean over 15 million people a year have a challenging and often devastating opioid addiction, and nearly 70,000 will die from an overdose. The reason these overdoses occur is that a person can build up an immunity to opioids just as they can any other medication, and therefore will need to up their dosage in order to get the same high. If you have chronic pain, then being chained to opioids will become an increasingly complicated matter. You need to follow this guide to overcome it once and for all and to find new methods to manage pain and to reclaim your life.
First: Rapid drug detox
The first step to overcoming any chemical-based addiction is to undergo a rapid drug detox. This will be a very difficult experience, and by detoxing as quickly and successfully as you can, you can move past the lingering effects of opiates quickly. Heroin, for example, can be found in traces in the body up to 90 days after a hit, despite the high itself being very short and intense. A drug detox, then, is the first critical step to overcoming your addiction, because only once it is clear from your system, can you finally start moving forward.
Second: Take the help of support groups
Support groups are critical for a few reasons. One, they help you talk about how you feel and what you are going through without judgment. If your family or friends can’t hear you out without you feeling terrible about yourself, this can be a huge relief. Secondly, they can help you make it through your addiction, and can even sponsor you so that if you are about to relapse you have someone there for you, that knows how to talk you down. Support groups can be life-saving, so join your local one today.
Third: Cut toxic people from your life
In many cases, addicts don’t form their habits alone. If these people do not respect your recovery and try to get you to relapse whenever you see them, then it is time to cut them out of your life. Another example of a toxic relationship is if they cause you stress or trauma. For those who turned to their habit as a coping mechanism, you have to challenge the source of your addiction in order to overcome it.
Fourth: Find new and healthier habits
If you find being idle is dangerous to your recovery, find new, healthier habits to take up your time. This way you can stay active, lead a better life, and even make new friendships that support you, instead of bringing you down.
A final note
Opioid addictions do not always form because you make bad decisions. In many cases, it is just because of your situation. When you know that your addiction is starting to become dangerous, however, you cannot hesitate. Get help today so that you can finally kick your habit once and for all.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
