Drug Recovery Help

People recovering from drug-addiction face the uphill battle of having to refrain from using drugs. This is difficult because their bodies and minds have developed a dependency to the drug. For this reason, relapses frequently occur among recovering addicts. However, by following the appropriate steps and applying single-minded determination, the recovering addict can be permanently drug-free.

Medical Help

• If you are a recovering addict, speak to a physician about your situation. He can assist you by providing you with the emotional support and medical treatment that may be critical to your recovery. In quitting your drug usage, your body may react negatively, due to the dependence it has developed for the drug. These symptoms can include hostility, insomnia, anxiety, insomnia, depression and sexual dysfunction. If you are taking medication for a medical ailment while using drugs, inform your doctor if you have stopped using drugs. Due to the withdrawal symptoms you might undergo, he may have to adjust your prescription medication dosage.

  If your withdrawal symptoms include pain and anxiety, instead of prescription medication, your doctor may suggest a more nonaddicting approach, such as therapy. Therapeutic treatments include massages, placing ice or heat on the affected area or breathing exercises to assist with your anxiety. He may also prescribe nonaddicting drugs that do not contain opiates (commonly seen in narcotics). If none these treatments relieve your pain and anxiety he may prescribe benzodiazepine or an opiate. However, he should inform you of the possibilities of relapse when taking these drugs. Being with honest with your physician about your addiction and recovery plan is one of the best ways to begin your recovery process.

Support System

• 12-Step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous allow you to share your addiction and recovery experiences with others similar to you. It allows you to be in a non-judgmental setting where you no longer feel alone or as though no one understands you. 12-Step programs also encourage recovering addict to practice abstinence by teaching them how to resist the temptations that will undoubtedly arise. To become a member of Narcotics Anonymous, no membership fee is required; however, most members voluntarily offer a donation toward the facility's rental expenses.

  Having family and friends who are supportive can also assist you in your recovery. Do not shut them out. Oftentimes they are genuinely concerned about your well-being and want you to have a successful recovery. Use the fact that you have people who truly care about you as a motivator to staying sober.