How to Overcome Addiction: 6 Tips for Recovery Success
Substance abuse affects every aspect of your life, from damaging relationships to harming your physical health. You’re aware that something needs to change, feeling as though “enough is enough.” Maybe you’ve gotten one too many DUIs and lost your job, or maybe your family is distancing themselves from you because of your drug habits. You know that you need to take action now.
Whether you’ve tried rehab before or this is your first time getting help, the first step is always accepting that you have a problem and that something needs to change. Overcoming addiction takes time, effort, and patience, yet with the right support and guidance, you can break free.
There’s no one-size-fits-all in overcoming drug addiction, but there are steps you can take to be successful. Master Center has treated over 10,000 Virginians for addiction using evidence-based approaches, and we’re here to help you figure out how to overcome addiction. Our certified addiction counselors and therapists have provided their top tips for recovery so that you can feel best prepared to embark on your journey.
No matter how many times you’ve tried to get clean or how many times you’ve hesitated, recovery is achievable for you, and it’s always possible to turn your life around.
How to Overcome Addiction: 6 Best Practices
Every person is different, but they all have one thing in common: they have an addiction and want to break free from it. Whether that’s for yourself, your spouse, your kids, or anyone else affected by your addiction, each person has the same goal in mind.
Our certified addiction specialists, therapists, and counselors have identified 6 best practices for overcoming drug addiction that can help you reach your goals once you take that first step:
- Commit to an uncomfortable change in lifestyle.
- Change your surroundings when possible.
- Celebrate all your victories, big and small.
- Focus on changes in your mental health and well-being.
- Learn how to cope with stress in healthy ways.
- Stay connected with those who support you.
Following these tips can improve your outlook on recovery, process the changes that come with recovery, and help you stay on track towards your goals.
1. Commit to a Change in Lifestyle–and a New You
No matter how long you’ve been using drugs or alcohol, the substance can take over all parts of your life, and you may be accustomed to the habit. You may be used to drinking before work or using drugs to “wind down” after a long day, but if you seek long-term improvements to your quality of life, you must make some serious changes to your lifestyle, and that includes making some uncomfortable decisions about your habits.
A willingness to make changes is a necessary part of improving the quality of your life, and we know it can feel daunting at first. However, you should see this as not just a new life, but also a new you: the you without alcohol or drugs, who can reclaim their lives, repair their relationships, and be a healthier person.
Committing to this change, as uncomfortable as it may be, is a major part of achieving recovery, and a new perspective can make all the difference for your success.
2. Change Your Surroundings: People, Places, & Things
Falling into a tedious routine can also wreak havoc on the mind when regularly using drugs and alcohol. Additionally, when in the same environment that led to, encouraged, or triggered substance abuse, it can make it much more difficult to overcome your addiction, as you may feel constantly reminded and physically “stuck.” Whether that’s a person, a place, or a thing, staying in one place can do more harm than good when trying to get sober.
Similar to changing your lifestyle, it’s encouraged to also try changing your surroundings, both physically and emotionally. This includes changing your scenery, as well as removing the people or things that may inhibit your progress. Maybe you live with a friend who’s enabling your drug or alcohol use, and you need to move in with someone else to help you adjust. Or maybe you have a family member who engages in substance abuse with you, and you need to physically distance yourself from them. No matter what it looks like, changing your surroundings can be instrumental in getting your mindset right for recovery.
3. Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How Small They Seem
No victory is too small in addiction recovery. Victories don’t just include how long you’ve been clean; they can be as simple as saying “no” to something, repairing a relationship, or setting a boundary. Maybe you’ve finally blocked your dealer’s number, or you’ve finally apologized for hurting a loved one. These are all victories that should be cherished, and they go a long way in your recovery journey.
So, if you’re 24 hours clean, celebrate. If you’ve successfully detoxed, celebrate. If you’ve finally apologized to someone you’ve hurt, celebrate. It’s okay to take pride when you do something good, and you should applaud yourself every step of the journey. Doing this will help to keep you motivated long-term and help you to see how far you’ve come from the start.
4. Note All Changes in Your Mental Health
A considerable component of overcoming addiction is acknowledging the changes to your mental health and well-being. Addiction recovery is an internal battle, and it can affect your mindset significantly. Coupled with the changes in lifestyles, surroundings, relationships, and more, your mental health can be affected without you realizing it.
Our specialists recommend looking out for these changes and checking in with yourself frequently. This can look like:
- Tracking your mood.
- Scheduling time each day to reflect on your progress.
- Ensuring that you get proper rest each night.
- Having a trusted person to confide in, such as a therapist or loved one.
Observing these changes is crucial in addiction recovery, as it gives your mind some time to heal, rest, and recharge in a life without drugs or alcohol. When you reflect inward, you’re able to be your best self and feel more empowered in your recovery journey, so take time for yourself when you can.
5. Learn How to Cope With Stress Without Drugs or Alcohol
Oftentimes, substance abuse is a response to stress, which can become a habit over time and seem like an easy answer to stressful situations. However, to overcome drug addiction, you have to learn to overcome your stressors as well. It’s important to find healthy ways to combat these pressures and cope without feeling the need to use drugs or alcohol.
Using drugs can become a habit in times of tension, so finding alternative activities is important for recovery. Find something else to do or occupy your mind in other ways when you feel the need to use a substance, and you’ll soon notice that you have replaced the habit with something healthier. Call a trusted person when a trigger arises, spend time with your pet, or pick up a hobby you’ve been meaning to try.
Any activity is fine to do as long as you retrain your brain to think of something else during these moments of difficulty. Replace that time you’d spend using drugs or alcohol in moments of stress with someone new or more productive, and you’ll be surprised at the progress you’ll make.
6. Stay Connected with Others Who Support Your Recovery
Staying connected with others is a crucial part of staying accountable. Not only that, but they’ll be there for you during your moments of victory, as well as your moments of doubt and fear. This is also why group therapy is encouraged, as it provides a support network of people who’ve been in your shoes and are working together to keep you on track. It’s one of the most important benefits of group therapy that you should consider when looking for recovery resources.
When triggers arise, the warning signs of relapse creep in, or life just happens, the connections you have can make all the difference in overcoming your addiction. Talking with others who have been where you are will be a great way to move past the challenges of recovery. You don’t have to face addiction alone, so stay connected with others in any way you can.
Find Recovery Support in Treatment Programs
The reality of rehab, addiction, and recovery is that it’s never perfect; there are challenges and pitfalls, but remember that it’s always okay to start over and ask for help when needed. The journey to recovery is something you should be proud of, and understanding how to overcome addiction takes time, patience, and effort.
Nonetheless, the 6 tips outlined above are not an exhaustive list, and it’s important to enroll in a treatment program. Whether that’s at an inpatient facility, group therapy, or your local AA/NA meetings, overcoming addiction doesn’t have to be faced alone. Research even shows that engaging in long-term treatment, regardless of rehab type, leads to better recovery outcomes.
At Master Center, we have dozens of therapists, counselors, medical providers, and coaches all trained in addiction science and dedicated to helping you find lifelong recovery. With over 40 group therapy options, Peer Recovery Coaching, medication-assisted treatment, and more, we know that your chances of success increase greatly when you have a team by your side.
So, follow some of our tips, and when you’re ready to take that step to recovery, call us today to schedule a consultation appointment and get started on a recovery program that’s right for you.
About Master Center for Addiction Medicine
Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.
Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.
