How to Overcome Drug Addiction

Drug addictions are difficult to overcome. Drug addicts face consequences of dying, hurting themselves or someone else and losing jobs, friends and family. Whether your drug of choice is alcohol, pills or more serious drugs, such as methamphetamine, stopping the vicious cycle can be a challenging process. But the rewards that come from putting your life back together and living a clean life are worth it.

Things You'll Need

• Support group
• Sponsor
• Counseling

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Instructions

• 1

  Admit that you are a drug addict. Denial is one of the biggest obstacles to overcoming a drug addiction. Identifying yourself as an addict and believing it is the first step in recovery. Without this realization, it is impossible to recover.

• 2

  Be willing to do whatever it takes to stay clean. You must be willing to do things you don't want to do. Decide that you will take whatever steps necessary not to use drugs.

• 3

  Join a 12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous. Twelve-step programs offer support through meetings and fellowship. These programs have a proven track record for helping people overcome addiction. But you have to be willing to work the program.

• 4

  Get a sponsor and work the 12 steps. Meetings will provide you with opportunities to connect with people who have stayed clean. A sponsor will guide you through the steps and offer support in your recovery.

• 5

  Change everything about yourself. Stay away from your old friends and hangouts. Recovery meetings are a good place to make new friends. You must also be willing to change your beliefs, thoughts and actions. Doing everything the way you have always done it will lead you to relapse.

• 6

  Get professional help. If your addiction is so severe that you cannot put the drug down, consider checking into a rehabilitation program or detox center. You will be able to come off the drug away from triggers such as old friends, dealers and hangouts. You will also receive medical and emotional support. See a therapist for individual counseling to help you deal with the problems that may have caused you to look to drugs for escape.