Overcoming SUD: 10 Tips to successfully reduce substance addiction

Hey there, if you have landed on this blog, you are probably looking for ways to reduce substance addiction for yourself or someone you know.?

Here we are going to help you with effective tips and ways on how to overcome addiction successfully.?

While there are many reasons why people lean towards addiction, know that it is a treatable disease and not a moral failing.?

Maybe you have tried to get out of it an uncountable number of times and then relapsed back to it again and again, then also it is not a failure. It's a step towards recognition and your will to come back to a better life.?

The hardest part of any recovery is to identify that you have a problem. 90% of addicts keep relapsing back because substance abuse negatively affects the brain, thus causing it to seek excuses and justifications to continue using. Committing to sobriety and working your way up one day at a time is the ultimate mantra for healing.?

This blog talks about coping mechanisms and ways to deal with cravings, relapse, and how to successfully overcome the disorder.?

So without further ado, let's get started.?

The Broad Definition:

Substance use disorder (SUD) or as we commonly call it drug addiction is a medical disorder in which a person becomes physically and psychologically reliant on a substance, resulting in compulsive and dangerous behaviors.?

As per the latest statistics, nearly 62.5 million people are addicted to alcohol, 8.75 million are addicted to cannabis, 2 million are addicted to opiates, and 0.6 million are high on sedatives or hypnotics in India.

Overcoming substance abuse is hard, but not impossible. Choosing the correct rehab center in India can help with recovery faster.?

With professional assistance from top rehabilitation centers in India, working on some broader pointers can be genuinely helpful.

1. Start by seeking expert help:?

As mentioned earlier, the very first step involves the identification or recognition of the problem, but that's not all. You might understand you have a problem, but the reason behind it can only be deciphered with the help of a professional counselor.

The counselors at different de-addiction centers in India will help you with root cause analysis and guide you on how to overcome those issues. Get yourself a customized support plan and the process will become easier for you.?

2. Talk it out

Talking with friends and family doesnt work 90% of the time because they dont understand the condition and often end up judging the person. Offensive and compulsive behavior becomes the talk of the family and that makes people depressed and lean to addiction even more.

In such cases, building community is important. Talk to people who are in similar situations. They will listen without judging and help you recover faster.? Surround yourself with positive and understanding people who can provide emotional support, encouragement, and accountability during your recovery path. Regularly attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings and things can drastically improve for you.

3. Set up specific objectives and goals

Recovery is complicated and only the best de-addiction center, also known as nasha mukti kendra can help you out. Joining a rehabilitation center will help you set up realistic and attainable goals for yourself. Break it down into smaller steps and applaud each accomplishment. This can assist you in remaining motivated and focused.

4. Identify and avoid triggers

For any recovering addicts, it's very easy to relapse back if they come across any triggers or issues from the past.?

Ask your counselor to help you identify such situations, people, or locations, and avoid them as much as possible. Understand how you can replace them with healthier options, or figure out how to deal with those triggers without using substances.

5. Explore a healthy lifestyle

When you quit drugs or alcohol and still follow the same old routine, it is mostly likely that you will relapse back. There are no better antidepressants than exercise and meditation. Explore healthy coping techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, journaling, art, or participating in hobbies.

These hobbies can assist you in dealing with stress, cravings, and negative emotions. Practicing a healthy lifestyle mindfully can restore healthy brain functioning, reduce cravings, improve sleep, and thus help you build an addiction-free life.?

6. Choose self-care over everything else

Self-care entails taking care of one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make sure you get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and participate in things that offer you joy and fulfillment.

Creating a structured daily routine can provide stability and reduce opportunities for substance use. Maintain a constant plan and fill your day with relevant activities.

7. Educate yourself

Work up your knowledge. Read and understand how addiction works, its negative effects, and, how it affects your body and mind. Understanding the problem will give you a route to recovery. Understand the risks of substance usage as well as the benefits of maintaining a substance-free life.

8. Accept and let go

Addiction might develop from past traumas and unresolved issues in the mind. It's also natural to feel ashamed of the behavior that you exhibited while being on substances.

Learn to let go of the past and work towards making amends with yourself and the people around you. Alpha Healing Centre provides you with an aftercare plan that is customized for your healing process and future relapse prevention.?

9. Celebrate Yourself

You have been through a lot. So it is important to be patient and celebrate your recovery journey. Appreciate yourself every day with each step that you take towards an addiction-free life.

Recovery is a journey that may include setbacks. Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how minor, and be patient with yourself. Overcoming addiction takes time and work.

10. Ask. There is no shame

Remember that overcoming substance addiction frequently necessitates expert therapy and support. So there is no shame in asking for help. We do understand that societal norms look down upon such a situation, but it's important to identify it as just another disease that needs immediate attention and resolution. Consider contacting local addiction helplines, support groups, or rehabilitation centers for specialized aid.?

Everybody deserves a happy life and asking for help doesnt make you weak. Know that it's never too late to start. It's either One day or Day 1. The choice is yours.?