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Ideas on Quitting a Drug Addiction

An addiction to drugs can be difficult to overcome. There are a variety of treatment options available for those who truly have a desire to quit using drugs. These include detoxification, rehabilitation centers and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. Though these options can be effective, the road to recovery may be long and arduous.

  1. Enter Detox

    • Checking into a detoxification center is the first step to quitting a drug addiction. The detox process can last up to two weeks depending on the drugs used and the severity of the dependency. During this time, the addict is monitored by doctors and nurses as the drug to which he is addicted leaves his system. There are also medications the medical staff can give her, which will ease any withdrawal symptoms she may experience, such as vomiting and nausea. Once this process is complete, he can move onto the next stage in his recovery process.

    Check Into a Rehabilitation Center

    • A stay in a rehabilitation center can last between 30 and 90 days. Again, this depends on the severity of the addiction. Once the addict has arrived, she will meet with a doctor and a counselor; together they will determine the best course of treatment for her. He will spend time in individual and group counseling session. These activities are designed to determine the underlying behavioral reasons for her addictions and help her to come up with alternative ways to handle her desire for the drug.

    Attend Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

    • Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings work like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, and are a form of support for those who have left a rehabilitation center and are trying to cope with everyday life again. As with AA, the addict is given a sponsor to whom he can turn when he feels as though he is going to begin using again. Her sponsor is a recovering addict himself; someone who has been successful in his recovery but knows the cravings, desires and struggles of staying clean. The meetings are run by recovering drug addicts and offer a tremendous amount of support from those experiencing the same situation.

    Seek Family Support

    • Though support from former addicts is helpful, it is just as important to have the support of your family as well. Ask them to attend a meeting with you or a counseling session if you attend therapy. The more involved they are, the more they will understand your addiction. This will make it easier for them to help you.

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