5 Methods To Fight An Addiction And Avoid Relapse

Jan 08, 2019

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, more than 20.5 million Americans suffer from a substance abuse disorder.

Less than 15 percent of those 20.5 million people will seek help, and the ones who do will struggle to stay sober.

Detoxification is the first step in a long road to recovery. Detox happens when you eliminate drugs and alcohol from your body. Detoxing can be dangerous, especially when alcohol and/or opioids are involved. There are several detox methods to consider, and you should always consult with a medical professional before beginning a detox program.

No matter which detox method you choose, there is always a possibility for relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40-60% of people treated for addiction relapse in the first year. Developing healthy habits while you're detoxing can increase your chances of success.

This one will be difficult. Unfortunately, caffeine is a stimulant and should be avoided by anyone in recovery. It is believed that beverages with a high caffeine content rewire your brain, making relapse more likely. Instead of drinking coffee, have a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea sweetened with a Stevia-based sweetener. People in recovery often have trouble with insulin resistance. Stevia-based sweeteners won't elevate blood sugar levels.

According to Bradford Health Services, exercise is extremely important for anyone in recovery. Exercise not only relieves stress but also causes the body to release endorphins naturally. Drugs and alcohol wreak havoc on your ability to feel happy and satisfied. Exercise helps regulate your brain chemistry. It also builds confidence and gives you a more positive outlook on life.

You don't have to go overboard to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Hike, swim and ride a bike instead of spending all day in the gym. Being outside will improve your mood. Yoga and Pilates are great for low-impact workouts, and Zumba is a fun way to workout and meet new people.

A healthy diet is key when it comes to recovery. Making one smart choice leads to another, so plan your meals carefully. Vitamin deficiencies are common in people with a history of substance abuse. Talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin, a B-complex and a zinc supplement.

Incorporate lean meats, fatty fish, colorful vegetables and dark chocolate into your diet. Avoid heavily processed foods, red meat, dairy and sugary snacks.

Sleep is important while you're in recovery, but insomnia is a common side effect of drug and alcohol withdrawal. Talk to a therapist about treatment methods for insomnia that don't rely on pharmaceuticals.

There are several steps you can take to encourage a more restful sleep. Stop using electronic devices an hour before bedtime. The blue light from your phone or tablet disturbs your sleep cycle. Make sure your bedroom isn't too cold or too hot. Open a window for fresh air. Drink herbal tea and try meditation. Download a playlist of soothing nature sounds to lull you into a deep, relaxing sleep.

Dehydration is one of the most common drug withdrawal symptoms. Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and help you flush toxins out of your system. Drink at least 1 gallon of water a day. Having one sports drink (try Gatorade, Powerade or coconut water) a day will balance your electrolytes while helping you stay hydrated.

You don't have to do this alone. There are plenty of resources available for people in recovery. Join a support group for those who struggle with addiction, or make an appointment with an addiction recovery specialist. Most health insurance plans cover treatment for addiction.

Don't be afraid to reach out to your friends and family for help. It might feel like they've given up on you, but that's only because your addiction has been hard on them too. They want nothing more than to see you get the help you need.

We know how difficult detoxing can be, and we want to hear your story. Feel free to leave some words of encouragement for anyone who is struggling to make the right choices in their life. Don't forget to pass this on to your friends to invite them to the conversation!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!