Ways to Overcome Drug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that drug abuse and addiction are a substantial societal burden, costing more than half a trillion dollars yearly. Drug abuse is the excessive use of drugs, which creates a high potential for addiction. As a drug abuser, you may want to stop abusing drugs, but don't know how. Regardless of how harsh the consequences of your drug abuse are, you can overcome it.

Confronting Yourself

• Look at your reflection in the mirror and examine all the impacts drug abuse has had on your physical and mental states. You may be experiencing significant weight loss or gain, deteriorated physical coordination, poor judgment, insomnia, tremors, nausea, vomiting, personality changes, moodiness, a decreased zest for otherwise pleasurable activities, irregular heartbeat, severe dishonesty and total disregard for your personal hygiene. It's not a pretty sight. Realize that only you can change it.

  Ask yourself why you feel the need to abuse drugs. If you are particularly taken with the euphoric feelings drugs create, remember, this is a temporary fix. The need for more inevitably arises, and before you know it, you are addicted to drugs. Find something positive in your life, something you like to do (e.g., creative arts, or pursuing an educational or career goal), and concentrate on making that the pleasure center of your life.

Getting Help

• Enlist the help of a trusted friend or a family member. You may feel guilty and shameful for abusing drugs. You may feel completely worthless and feel that others view in this light as well. Know that the friend or family member who became upset by your drug abuse only wants you to overcome it. They will be more than happy to help if you show that you are serious about getting clean.

  Ask your physician to recommend a treatment facility for you. If you do not have a physician, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) website to locate a treatment facility near you. Note that many of these facilities are publicly funded; therefore, you can receive treatment tailored to your budget.

The Recovery Process

• It is critical that you remain in treatment for as long as is necessary. Leaving treatment early makes you vulnerable to relapses. Treatment often has the resources to help wean you off drugs. For example, if you are a heroin abuser and experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping use, your medical professional can prescribe you with buprenorphine to alleviate your symptoms. Be open to therapy, which can help you to tackle the underlying reason for your drug abuse.

  Know that overcoming your drug abuse may be a lengthy process. Even when you leave treatment, you may still feel the temptation to use again. Reduce this likelihood by adapting a new sober set of friends, joining a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous, and by remembering the damage drug abuse caused to your life.