Self-Improvement Steps for Alcohol and Drug Addiction - obefdi's ...

By Alex Kerwin -

Many have said addiction is a vicious cycle, and they?re right. Not only is the cycle of recovery and relapse tough to struggle through but also the steady progression towards addiction that to whom anyone can fall victim. From the moment we enter this world, we are bombarded with exciting and new things that thrill and amaze us. We also experience pain and sadness. As we grow older, we go in search of ways to either recapture those thrills or distract us from the hurt. Along the way, many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to feel that longed-for rush again or to escape a physically or emotionally painful situation. Unfortunately for some, those methods of coping or excitement progress to habits which develop into dependency and eventually addiction.

Stats on Alcohol Addiction

? Alcohol abuse doesn?t just affect the drinker; it has been linked to over 430,000 cases of date violence including rape and assault.

? It is the number one substance abused by teens in America, with over 10 million admitting to being drinkers and 6.5 million being binge drinkers. Abusing alcohol before the age of 16 makes a person five times more likely to suffer from alcohol addiction as an adult.

? Twenty-nine percent of drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents were proved to have been drinking prior to the crash. Drunk drivers, in general, cost the United States more than $50 billion every year in damage, insurance claims and medical expenses.

Stats on Drug Addiction

? Nine percent of the population over the age of 12 is either a current or former drug addict; that?s over 23 million people.

? Over 6 million kids in America live with at least one drug-addicted parent.

? Since the 1980s, the number of drug-related deaths has skyrocketed by 540 percent.

However, the time is never too late to get help. Whether you or someone you know and love is showing the beginning stages of dependency or is in the grip of full-bodied addiction, there are numerous paths back to sobriety. It?s important to remember that the process cannot be forced; help only works for those that truly want it, which is why focusing on and encouraging self-improvement as part of a recovery plan is vital to long term success.

Steps to Recovery, Treatment and Self-Improvement

? Make changes?? In order to remove yourself from the addiction cycle, it may be necessary to change your circle of friends, your current living arrangements, coping mechanisms and self-perception. Anything, anyone or any place that could trigger a relapse and stall your recovery should be avoided.

? Explore options?? Everyone?s different and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment or recovery method. It?s important to find one that you feel is manageable with lots of measurable goals so that progress can be visualized. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Secular Organizations for Sobriety and SMART Recovery have been known to work for many people. Other options include psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, speaking with clergy members, one-on-one counseling as well as doctor supervised detox and rehabilitation programs at local treatment centers. To find one near you, visit Centers.org.

? Ask for help?? Build a support network of family, friends and co-workers to keep you on track and encourage your progress. Meetings and support groups are great for providing someone to lean on who?s been through the same situation. Some people may also benefit from relocating to a sober living home during recovery.

? Find new ways to cope?? Many different stresses in life can trigger a return to addiction, but it?s important to retrain the body and mind to cope with these stresses in healthier ways. Find things to fill your time like new hobbies, volunteer work, building healthy relationships or even getting a pet.

? Don?t get defeated by relapse?? Relapse happens to a lot of people struggling with addiction but it doesn?t mean recovery is impossible. Focus on all the things you?ve achieved so far and use your support network to get you back on track.

? Take control of your own success?? Keep your body healthy with a nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep in order to maintain high energy levels while staving off stress. Remind yourself of all the improvements you?re making and use never put yourself down. Also, if you feel uncomfortable or in a stressful situation that could negatively impact your recovery, don?t be afraid to speak up and adjust your environment immediately.

Alex Kerwin writes for Treatment-Center.net to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction.

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Source: http://theselfimprovementblog.com/self-improvement/featured/self-improvement-steps-for-alcohol-and-drug-addiction/

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