Fighting addiction is something few people consider when they first start abusing alcohol, using prescription medications, or experimenting with illicit drugs.
But, with the help of family and a professional treatment program like a California rehab, the process is easier than you think.
What Is Addiction?
It’s common knowledge that addiction is a hard battle to overcome. However, many people feel addiction is a myth, and people can simply quit any time they choose.
Once someone becomes physically dependent on a substance, though, a chemical reaction occurs in their brain and body, making it extremely challenging to quit without professional intervention and ongoing support.
The truth is that many people struggling with addiction want to get sober but don’t know how to stop using drugs or alcohol. Once a person has decided they no longer wish to continue abusing substances, getting the right treatments and interventions can help them stay sober long-term, as addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition.
If you or a loved one are struggling to overcome addiction, call our 24/7 recovery hotline at 866-330-9449 today.
10 Most Effective Ways to Fight Addiction
If you’ve been wondering how to fight an addiction, there is no fixed path to recovery. That said, there are many things you can do, including getting professional treatment.
Here are 10 steps you can take to fight addiction:
1) Educate yourself
Start by learning about addiction and recovery. Understanding how addiction works and the challenges you might face can prepare you for your journey and help you make more informed decisions.
2) Get professional help
Instead of trying to work out how to fight addiction alone, get professional help. There are two main types of rehab options to help people fighting drug addiction or alcohol addiction:
- Outpatient rehab: Outpatient rehab enables people to live at home while attending evening or daytime therapy sessions. Outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment shows people how to beat an addiction long-term with personalized interventions. It’s a good option for those with stable home environments and mild addictions.
- Inpatient rehab: With inpatient rehab, you stay at a treatment center for 30 to 90 days or more. This provides structure and 24/7 support. Inpatient treatment works best for those with more severe addictions and mental health conditions.
3) Use healthy coping skills
During inpatient or outpatient rehab, you will detox from drugs or alcohol and learn coping skills to help you handle stress and emotions. Techniques like journaling, deep breathing, or talking to a trusted friend can help manage feelings that might trigger a relapse. Learning how to fight addiction urges can help you stay sober after rehab.
4) Stay away from triggers
When learning how to fight against addiction, it’s essential to identify and avoid triggers. Addiction triggers are people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or alcohol. By avoiding these, you reduce the risk of relapse.
5) Build a sober support network
Surround yourself with friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement. Joining a support group like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can be very helpful
6) Set goals
Making small and achievable goals can help you stay motivated. This could be daily, weekly, or monthly goals related to your recovery. Celebrating small wins can boost your confidence and commitment.
7) Stay busy
Hobbies and activities can distract you from cravings and help build a new, healthy routine. Exercise, music, art, or volunteering can be great ways to stay occupied and fulfilled in your ongoing recovery from addiction.
8) Practice self-care
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for anyone working out how to fight addiction long-term. Eat nutritious food, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can also help reduce stress.
9) Engage with ongoing therapy
Many people find that attending therapy sessions after rehab helps them stay on track. This can be useful for those struggling to work out how to fight addiction urges in everyday life. Both individual and group therapy can be beneficial, as well as talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
10) Create a relapse prevention plan
An effective relapse prevention plan should include strategies for dealing with cravings and a list of people you can call for support. This can help you avoid tempting situations and stay sober.
Treatment for Fighting Drug Addiction
For those who go to rehab, there are many science-based treatments for treating addiction.
- MAT: MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is effective for treating addictions to alcohol and opioids. It uses medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stay sober. This form of treatment is best combined with talk therapies.
- Talk therapy: Talk therapy like CBT helps people with addictions change negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors. CBT also teaches coping skills to deal with stress and avoid situations that might lead to substance abuse.
- Motivational therapy: This type of therapy helps people find the motivation to change their behavior and attitude toward addiction recovery.
- Group therapy: In group therapy, people with similar problems meet to discuss their experiences and support each other. Sharing stories and advice can be helpful and make people battling addiction to drugs or alcohol feel less alone.
- Family therapy: Involving the whole family in the treatment process helps improve communication and resolve issues that might contribute to drug addiction. Families learn how to support their loved one’s recovery more effectively.
- One-to-one counseling: One-to-one sessions with a therapist provide personalized support. Therapists help people understand their addictions, develop coping strategies, and work through personal issues.
- Holistic treatments: Holistic methods focus on healing the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction. These can include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and art therapy. They help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
How to Find a Good Addiction Treatment Program
Talk to your doctor, friends, or family members who know about addiction treatment. They can suggest programs that have helped others.
Look up addiction treatment programs online. Read reviews and check ratings to see what others say about their experiences. Reliable websites like those of health organizations can be helpful.
Make sure the program is licensed and accredited. This means it meets certain quality and safety standards. Look for programs with trained and certified staff, too.
If possible, visit the treatment center. Check if it feels safe and welcoming. Ask questions about the program, the staff, and the types of treatment they offer.
Ensure the program offers MAT, talk therapy, counseling, and holistic treatments. A good program will have a variety of options to meet your needs.
Think about whether you want to stay close to home or go somewhere farther away. Some people prefer being near family, while others might benefit from a new environment.
Find out if the program accepts your insurance. This can help reduce the cost of treatment. Ask about payment plans or financial assistance if you need it.
A good treatment program will offer support even after you finish the main part of treatment. Aftercare might include counseling, support groups, or help finding a job or housing.
By following these steps, you can find a good addiction treatment program that will support your journey to recovery. Remember, asking for help is a strong and important first step in recovery.
How to Fight Addiction | FAQs
Is it possible to recover from addiction without professional help?
Yes, some people can recover from addiction without professional help, but it can be hard. Support from friends and family can make a big difference. Focus on finding the best way for you – all addictions are unique.
What are the risks of not treating addiction?
Not treating addiction can lead to serious health problems and even death. It can also harm your relationships, job, and overall happiness.
Is addiction treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover addiction treatment, but it’s good to check with your insurance provider. They can tell you what services are covered and how much it will cost.
Can I take FMLA for rehab to fight addiction?
Yes, you can use FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) to take time off for rehab. This allows you to keep your job while you get the help you need.
Get Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
Here at Renaissance Recovery, we have a wide range of evidence-based outpatient treatment programs for all types of addictions. We are happy to work with health insurance providers so everyone can get help fighting addiction.
You’ll have access to medications, talk therapies, holistic therapies, and counseling to help you address the root cause of your addiction. You’ll also learn healthy coping skills and how to identify addiction triggers to prevent relapse. All treatment programs at Renaissance also include aftercare to help you stay sober long-term.
To get started, call our recovery experts today at 866-330-9449.
