The Necessary 7 Steps to Overcome Drug Addiction

Posted by Tony Bylsma on July 1, 2010 under How to Help a Drug Addict | Read the First Comment

To transform a drug addict into a productive and stably drug-free person is quite an accomplishment. There are some necessary changes that must be made, by the addict, before that goal can be reached

Factors which MUST be addressed:

1.  First and foremost, drug use must cease.

This seems so obvious that it needn’t be mentioned. This might require medical help during the initial withdrawal, but usually can be accomplished comfortably and without using dangerous drugs.

3.   The addict needs to gain the ability to feel comfortable in social situations without alcohol or drugs.

Communication skills and simple ways to communicate effectively must be learned as these are usually poorly known to a drug or alcohol addicted person.

4.  A regaining of personal integrity is a very important part of recovery.

The addict must be able to feel good about himself or herself. They must have self-respect enough to look others right in the eye. This is gained through the understanding of what causes low self esteem and getting honest and straight.

5.  Getting out from under the weight of past misdeeds.

In order to change unacceptable behavior, it must be recognized. So a “coming clean” about past activities has long been known to help. This is one of the most powerful of all these steps, and one of the most necessary to full recovery.

6.  A method of proceeding in life must be learned.

If the person is to refrain from drugs forever there should be fewer than usual surprising circumstances. The unexpected can be unsettling and in the past, the addict turned to drugs to deal with surprises. An effective treatment should teach methods of not only predicting future events, but controlling them to a large degree.

7.  Finally, goals are essential to provide needed direction and purpose in life.

Setting sights on a better future does more than simply raise the mood, it designates activity, it defines borders and keeps a person focused on pro-survival endeavors. A worthwhile and attainable goal can provide the push, the impetus that carries a recovering addict right through bumpy periods.