How to Stop Taking Drugs

Millions of people across the globe are addicted to taking drugs of various sorts. Oftentimes, they begin taking drugs socially or for pleasure, but eventually their drug use may cross the line. It is no longer pleasurable, and it causes the users and people around them pain. They might lose relationships, personal belongings or even their sanity. If you find yourself in this situation, take comfort in the fact that countless others have been able to stop taking drugs and find hope in recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to a 12-step recovery meeting. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two effective 12-step programs that many drug addicts go through in their journey to recovery. You might also check with your place of worship to see if faith-based recovery programs are available.

• 2

  Find a sponsor. When you get to your first meeting, look for someone who has been clean and sober for a good length of time. Find someone who works the 12-step program and seems happy. Sponsors function in the same way in both NA and AA, so finding a sponsor from either program will work. If you are participating in a faith-based recovery program, consult your religious leader for help finding someone to mentor you through the process.

• 3

  Read the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow its instructions. Many people in AA, NA and other 12-step programs use this book as their guide to drug addiction recovery because it is the original 12-step book and has led millions of people to recovery. Narcotics Anonymous has a self-titled book as well, based on AA's Big Book, with stories more specific to drug addiction. The tools for recovery are the same in both programs. Many faith-based programs also rely on the Big Book as a basis for recovery in combination with holy texts, such as the Holy Bible or Qur'an.

• 4

  Meet with your sponsor or mentor on a regular basis. Your sponsor has been down the road of drug addiction and recovery before. He can help you to navigate your way through the 12-step process by sharing experience, strength and hope with you.

• 5

  Attend meetings regularly. Surrounding yourself with others who are recovering from drug addiction will give you the support you need to stop taking drugs. Stick with the members who are genuinely trying to stay clean and sober.

• 6

  Forge bonds with other 12-step group members. Oftentimes, members go out for coffee or dinner after a meeting. Go with them and get to know them. It will help you in your recovery if you can make new friends who do not use drugs. You will begin to understand that it is possible to have fun without being under the influence.

• 7

  Consider enrolling in a drug treatment program. Sometimes when AA and NA meetings are not enough on their own, drug treatment programs help addicts to jump start recovery. Drug treatment programs are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. They normally last 30 days, but are sometimes longer. They are generally followed by aftercare programs that last a few months and require participants to attend AA and NA meetings on a regular basis. Drug treatment programs are not free like most 12-step meetings, but may be worth the investment if you need a little extra help to get you started in your recovery.

• 8

  Seek help from a qualified therapist specializing in addictions. Many psychiatrists, psychologists and pastoral counselors are trained in helping people overcome addictions. Numerous people who belong to 12-step groups or go to treatment also seek private therapy as part of their journey to recovery. Remember that you are never alone in dealing with your drug addiction. Many people have been down that road before and several have recovered and gone on to lead happy and productive lives.