There are different types of addictions, just like there are so many types of people who are more or less addicted to something. It’s a challenging and hard journey for the person, but also for their family and friends to face up to the reality and recognize the issue. A lot of parents are usually in denial that their child is addicted to something, or the same goes for any family member or close friend. It’s very hard, but there is a way out. People who fight addiction should find the right person who will use the right method to help them out.
And as we are talking about addictions, we don’t mean only alcohol and drugs. Many people are addicted to different things that may not hurt their physical health, but they can mess with their brain and the thinking process. Many people are aware of their problem, and they can easily face the consequences, but we all know that the things around us can’t be all dark or all light and that there are many factors in between we need to consider before we ask for help.
The first step, after you are aware of the issue, is to find a reliable clinic around you, with trained staff to provide effective treatments to their clients, so they can deal with their addiction. According to medicomente.com, it’s known as addictology, and they can help you to treat your drug or alcohol addiction, but also gambling, and many other behaviors you find critical for your comfortable lifestyle.
At the initial phase, the patient must understand that there are programs with different lengths, but it can last longer, as long as they can afford to pay for the treatment, or they are willing to collaborate with the responsible person for them. Usually, there are 30, 60, and 90-days programs, but also extended programs that include working on the problem even for a few years, or as long as the person needs it.
Some experts say that the longer the therapy is, the better results are, but sometimes just a few sessions can make a difference, and make the patient feel better.
The 21-day “rule” on breaking the addiction – truth or myth?
Many people believe that you need 21 days to overcome something, to get used to the new things in your life, or to recover after a loss. But, as time goes by, many showed that this is practically a myth, especially when it comes to being conscious and getting off something.
Others say that it can’t last less than 90 days, and after three months, you can be a completely new person. This supports the existence of a 90-days rehab program in the clinics, but is that enough?
The reality is that fighting against the addiction lasts for a lifetime. These programs are made to prepare the people who suffer for the things that come. It’s very difficult for every party included in the rehabilitation process since it can be really hard to watch someone you love dealing with something and fighting to stay sober.
It’s a new battle every day. One day it seems like it’s going better, but the very next day it can be terrifying to even know something is happening. Everyone can help, and the family should be included, but there are so many different and difficult cases, and some people are alone in this.
Are all addictions the same?
The “philosophy” behind them is the same – they are substances or activities that help our body release dopamine and endorphin and boost the adrenaline, so we are feeling happy and excited while the “influence” lasts. But, addiction is also excessive shopping, hoarding, or getting used to something that is not crucial for the quality of living. But, in most cases, addiction is related to drugs, prescription medicines, alcohol intake, and gambling, which are recognized as huge problems that must be treated with a special approach.
On the other hand, other addictive behaviors also require professional treatment, but they may last less than substance use. So, no matter how similar are they, addictions are different, and people need different therapies to recover.
The withdrawal
This is the hardest part of the recovery process since it starts at the moment the person joins some program or decides to fight against it alone. It can be really harsh on the patient because they can have some symptoms like nausea, cramps, body pain, extreme anxiety, urge to take something to calm down, excessive sweating, depending on the substance they are addicted to. As time goes by, they gain more control over their actions, but they mustn’t take any opioids or drugs during the withdrawal process. In some cases, the doctors or professionals who control the case may add medications to the recovery path, so they can ease the physical symptoms.
The constant support from the professionals, but also from the people they love, is highly needed, so they won’t feel like they don’t have anyone in the world to support them. It’s a huge trauma for the family too because no one wants to watch their children or siblings, or even parents suffering from addictions.
What treatments include?
First, all the people involved in this process must be patient, so they can help the person detox from the substances in their body and create new habits. Clinics also provide different programs, and the good thing is that the person is always supervised by professionals, who are there to help them out and administrate medications if needed.
The recovery doesn’t stop with the detox. It’s just a phase. after that, the person can join individual or group counseling, and sometimes the closest family members have to come to family therapy. Also, this phase is very important because it prevents relapses and helps people fight against the triggers and urge to consume something damaging for them.
And it lasts for the whole life. There will be always challenges and feelings like they can’t do it enough. But, this recovery process is worth trying. Many people came out winners from it. Why don’t you start your success story by taking control over yourself, and not letting the addiction tell you who you are?