If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol addiction, remember that it is a disease that can be treated, not a moral failing. Addictive substances cause brain changes that result in a compulsion to use. It is a chronic mental health condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to achieve sobriety.
Silicon Valley Recovery offers individualized addiction treatment based on patients’ long-term goals and mental health concerns. We integrate evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management, all of which are proven to address common addiction issues and promote recovery.
Contact us today if you need assistance, or look over our list of tips to help you overcome addiction.
10 Ways to Stop Addiction
1. Admit There Is A Problem
Recognize that you have an addiction problem. Admitting you have an addiction is the most difficult part of recovery. Addictive behaviors affect the brain, specifically altering frontal cortex function, which influences decision-making and impulse control. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that addiction is linked to changes in brain circuits, which makes quitting a gradual process.
Admitting a problem shows you have the courage to face your addiction and its underlying causes. There are numerous places to seek help, including addiction treatment centers, but having supportive people or supportive friends is essential regardless of the treatment approach you choose. Talk to a therapist, doctor, or rehab facility if you are not ready to confide in friends or family.
2. Reflect On Your Addiction
Take some time to consider what is important to you, how addiction has harmed you, and how your life will improve with sobriety. People with substance use or substance abuse disorder often benefit from reflecting on the patterns of substance use and how their history of addiction has shaped their behavior.
Keeping a daily journal is the simplest way to effectively reflect. You can help yourself start a plan to stop addiction by keeping a journal to help identify triggers, goals, and motivators.
3. Seek Professional Support
Silicon Valley Recovery’s residential treatment program provides a calm, structured environment in which to begin the drug and alcohol recovery process. Our 24-hour staff is trained in a variety of treatment options in order to provide each resident with the most individualized, effective treatment options possible. We address both mental health disorder and addiction through our comprehensive approach.
Residential treatment options include:
- Individual Therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Peer Support Groups
- Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, part of the Mental Health Services Administration, is another useful resource. It is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse. You can reach them at (800) 662-HELP (4357) or call our local rehab center at (888) 795-1965 today.
4. Appreciate The Benefits of Sobriety
Sober living allows you to rediscover the good in your life. At Silicon Valley Recovery, we treat co-occurring mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, which are often linked to addiction.
People in recovery who actively treat these aspects frequently find themselves enjoying:
- A greater sense of liberty
- Improvements in both mental wellbeing and physical health
- Healthier life choices and better financial stability
- Improved friendships and time with friends
- More time to devote to what is truly important to them
5. Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis, otherwise known as co-occurring disorders, refers to when an individual has a substance use disorder and another condition, such as mental illness like PTSD, ADHD, or depression. Our San Jose facility provides integrated dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both the addiction and the complex condition of mental illness.
We provide proper treatment to help relieve the pain and uncertainty caused by mental health symptoms, empowering our clients to thrive without relying on self-medication. This treatment is crucial for addressing psychological symptoms and underlying causes of addiction.
6. Identify Your Triggers
A trigger is something that causes an emotional reaction based on previous experiences. In the case of addiction, a trigger can result in a strong desire to relapse. Some common triggers include:
- Stress
- Uncomfortable Emotions
- Mental or Physical Illness
- Environmental cues
- Social Isolation
We can manage these triggers by developing healthy behaviors and coping skills once they have been identified. For example, incorporating deep breaths and relaxation exercises can be beneficial in managing stress.
7. Change Your Environment
When you stop using drugs or alcohol but keep the same routines or habits, your chances of relapsing are much higher. Avoiding bad habits and people with addictions can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Several changes will occur during recovery, including:
- Your approach to stress
- Who you hang out with
- How you spend your time
Programs for substance use often recommend joining support groups or Recovery programs, such as 12-step programs, to strengthen the recovery process.
8. Exercise
“There is no depression buster as effective for me as exercise,” says mental health advocate Therese J. Borchard. Regular physical activity restores brain chemistry, and helps develop positive habits. While working up a sweat, you will not only improve your overall health but also naturally release endorphins.
Engaging in some form of exercise is frequently one of the best ways to combat addiction. In addition to being a great distraction, exercise can:
- Improve your sleep
- Restore normal brain function
- Reduce cravings
- Boost self-esteem
9. Accept The Past
It is normal to feel guilty or ashamed about your addiction, past behavior, or past actions. As you progress in your recovery, it is critical that you deal with these emotions by making amends to yourself and others.
At Silicon Valley Recovery, we require each client to develop an aftercare plan that includes services for people needing ongoing support. They are invited to attend intervention programs and regular tune-ups to maintain their road to recovery.
10. Call For Help
Recovery is a lifelong process that requires time, motivation, and support. Our California addiction recovery center has a full staff of qualified professionals to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer a combination of therapies, including motivational interviewing and art class as part of our holistic approach. Whether you need medical treatment, psychological addiction counseling, or help with physical withdrawal symptoms, we can provide addiction care to start your quitting process.
Our California addiction recovery center has a full staff of qualified professionals to answer any questions or concerns you may have and to discuss the best treatment options available.
