Overcoming substance abuse can be one of the more difficult things that someone can experience. Even with a shorter term of usage, the body can become dependent on the substance, making it difficult to quit. Whether it be alcohol, prescription medication or illicit street drugs, knowing how to overcome substance abuse is a crucial component to learning how to live free of the grasp the substance has on an individual. Getting better is possible, and getting the right care and support can help make this process easier and smoother.
Why is it Difficult to Stop Using Substances?
Regardless of the substance being used, with prolonged use the body goes through some changes. These changes can include tolerance and dependence on the substance. Substances like opioids, whether prescription or obtained illegally on the streets, react in the brain which can cause the person to physically and mentally require the drug to function. Opioids bind to specific receptors within the brain and spinal cord known as opioid receptors. When this happens, it helps to block pain signals from different parts of the body, creating a sense of relief from the pain. It can also create a rush of euphoria. This rush is highly sought, and one of the main contributors to opioid abuse. As opioid abuse continues, the production of dopamine is altered. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for the sense of pleasure or reward. As use continues, the body begins to depend on this substance to feel rewarded. It leads to impacts to the natural production of vital endorphins, resulting in tolerance and the individual requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. As the dosage is continually increased, the body then becomes dependent on the substance.
Knowing how to overcome substance abuse can be useful knowledge for individuals who find themselves struggling. Dependence on a substance, whether drugs or alcohol, can be difficult. When the substance is abruptly stopped, this can result in dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal.
Withdrawal Process
As previously stated, when someone abruptly stops using a substance that the body is dependent upon, they begin to feel physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, and if left untreated, some of the symptoms can lead to life-altering impacts. Understanding how to overcome substance abuse safely is a crucial part of getting healthier and living happily. During withdrawal, an individual may experience a wide range of symptoms that can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Increased body temperature
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Psychosis
- Seizures
Experiencing these symptoms can be extremely dangerous, and having proper care during this process can prevent complications.
How Can Substance Abuse Treatment Help?
Substance abuse treatment is a process in which an individual can safely and effectively remove the substances from the system, as well as learn positive skills to maintain abstinence. How to overcome substance abuse safely begins with treatment. During this process, the individual may go through a detox regimen which can help make the withdrawal process more comfortable. Treatmenting the symptoms of withdrawal can help manage them, as well as prevent severe impacts to the individual’s life.
After detox, there are different levels of care to substance abuse treatment that can be beneficial. During this time, the individual will undergo different therapies that can help with long term recovery and abstinence. Therapies like CBT and DBT help the person to learn how to handle emotions and life stressors without turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. Knowing how to overcome substance abuse consists of accepting that additional care could be beneficial.
Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment
The benefits of substance abuse treatment are tremendous. The whole process can help the individual not only overcome their addiction to the substances, but also help them to gain necessary and useful knowledge to fight their struggles on a daily basis. Treatment helps to teach the person how to manage cravings, and self regulate their emotions that once lead them to using drugs and alcohol to cope. They could also begin building and nurturing meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who have similar goals. These relationships can be beneficial on hard days, when returning to using the substances seems like a better option. Learning how to overcome substance abuse can begin in substance abuse treatment, so that long term abstinence and recovery become possible.
Get the Help That is Needed
Struggling with substance abuse is a gamble that many people take on a daily basis. They never know if the substance will cause them irreparable damage, or lead to worse consequences such as overdose and death. Many people struggling with substance abuse are unaware that there are options to get better. If you or a loved one are struggling, we can help. At The Healing Center we offer a personalized care plan that can address your specific needs, and help as you begin your healing journey. Call us today and get the help that is needed.
