Addiction is a serious disorder and impacts people of all backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. There are many substances to which someone might become addicted to. Some people develop an issue with alcohol, while others abuse drugs.
One of the most serious forms of drug abuse is opioids. These are painkillers that are meant to be used for short-term pain relief; however, they are extremely addictive, and people often end up using them for a prolonged period of time. Opioids are widely prescribed by doctors to manage pain. Generally speaking, people think if a drug is prescribed by a doctor it’s not bad for them, but this isn’t always the case.
What Is an Opioid Addiction?
An opioid addiction is when someone becomes physically and emotionally dependent on opioids. Commonly abused opioids are OxyContin, Vicodin, and Fentanyl. An addict’s brain will fundamentally change in structure after abusing drugs for a period of time. This is why addiction isn’t just a ‘lack of self-control’. The brain has been rewired to believe that it requires opioids in order to survive.
Addicts end up craving opioids in the same manner in which they look for food, water, and air. This can cause people to sacrifice everything at the altar of opioid addiction. Opioid addiction impacts family members, friends, and even professional relationships. For this reason, people need to seek help for opioids that can help them quit for good.
What To Expect When Quitting
Quitting opioids can be challenging but is attainable with the help of the right treatment program. One of the main challenges are withdrawals. This is a set of symptoms that develop when an addict stops taking opioids. Common symptoms are fever, mood swings, uncontrollable shaking, headaches, and body aches. Fortunately, there are a few tips that people can follow that will make this process easier.
Tips for Quitting
Some of the most important tips for quitting opioids include:
Tip 1: Admit you have a problem. It’s hard to seek help or get better if you don’t admit you’re sick. Try looking at yourself in the mirror and say “I’m addicted to drugs”. Or call a friend and let them know. This may seem like common sense but it’s usually one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when seeking recovery.
Tip 2: Nothing changes if nothing changes. Change your environment. There are certain circumstances that get you to where you are. Without getting rid of these circumstances, you’re bound to relapse. Think about what got you using opioids in the first place and then cut that thing or person out of your life.
Tip 3: Stay busy during the recovery process. Unproductivity can easily lead to never stop using drugs or relapsing. If you don’t feel like you have a purpose, you’re bound to continue to use drugs. Pick up a hobby or do community service. Helping others is a great way to feel like you matter in this world.
Tip 4: Get professional help. You don’t have to do this alone. There’s also information you probably don’t know about your drug use. There are trained professionals all over the country with a lot of knowledge they’re waiting to share. These people will teach you the coping skills you need to live a life of recovery. They’ll help you retrain your brain to live without drugs. By getting professional help you’ll also build your sober network. One of the crucial components to getting sober and staying sober is having a support system.
Let Us Help!
At Laguna View Detox, we are a luxury drug & alcohol treatment program located in the beautiful area of Laguna View, CA. We are happy to offer detox and inpatient treatment for addiction disorders. Our facility is run by recovering addicts with years of sobriety under their belts. We provide a unique luxury program that combines traditional treatment with modern therapies to assist participants in overcoming substance abuse for good. If you are looking for a solution that can provide you with long-term sobriety, please contact us today!