Drug addiction and substance abuse problems affect millions of people. Whether you’ve been suffering from substance abuse for several months or for numerous years, help is always available to you. When you make the commitment to beat your addiction, you commit yourself to a healthier and brighter future. Determine what type of treatment plan works best for you and take steps toward achieving these goals. With help from a trusted counselor and a support system of friends and family, you’re on your way to recovery and to a life of sober living.
Find help at a local treatment center
If you struggle with substance abuse and you need help to beat your addiction, seeking treatment at a rehab facility is one of the best options available. Search for residential treatment centers in your area to find a facility offering assistance for your specific addiction. Some centers specialize in treating alcohol addiction whereas others specialize in drug abuse, such as heroin addiction. Include key phrases in your search, such as ‘alcohol treatment centers los angeles‘ to narrow down your results. One of the top addiction treatment facilities, CAST Centers, serve several communities within the greater Los Angeles area, including West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
At CAST Centers in West Los Angeles, you receive treatment focused on healing the whole individual and not just your substance abuse issues. When you contact a counselor at CAST and ask for help, you receive a personalized treatment plan to help address each area of concern. From assisting you with a mental health disorder to helping you break your alcohol addiction, these residential treatment centers take care of you and put you on the best path toward recovery. Sobriety is possible when you’re in the right hands.
Identify and remove temptations and triggers.
When you’re on the road to recovery, identify temptations and triggers you commonly encounter to begin eliminating these from your life. If you struggle to resist temptation when you’re at a bar for a night out, discuss your sobriety with your friends and ask to make alternate plans. Your individual needs are important, and your friends should be accommodating of your desire to stay sober. Make plans to get dinner or go to the movies instead, and be firm in your refusal to drink while you’re out. Don’t let anyone peer pressure you back into alcohol addiction. Be firm about what you need.
People can be triggers as well, it’s not always about the situations you find yourself in. If one of your friends or family members tries to get you to engage in substance abuse behaviors, distance yourself from this individual. Your recovery is at the forefront of every interaction you have, so be sure to only engage with people who want to see you succeed.
Make your sobriety your top priority.
To beat addiction you must take the recovery process seriously. Staying sober is your top priority, and everything you do should align with this goal. Set up a schedule that keeps you on track once you have completed your program at an alcohol rehab center or a substance abuse facility. Attend recovery meetings regularly and don’t be afraid to go to multiple meetings a week when you’re feeling vulnerable. Recovery support groups exist to provide you with a comfortable environment where you can go when you need an elevated level of care or someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
Create a network of sober friends who you can contact when you’re in a triggering situation. Include your sponsor and any friends you meet at your weekly meetings to ensure you’ve built a strong community of support. If you have personal friends or family members who similarly live a sober lifestyle, plan frequent get-togethers with these individuals for added camaraderie.
Pick up a new hobby or activity.
As you rebuild your life after seeking treatment for substance abuse, it’s beneficial to invest time in a new hobby or activity to keep your mind occupied. Take up running, biking, or a team sport if you enjoy being active. Purchase arts and crafts supplies and express yourself in new creative ways. Focus on a hobby or an activity you find engaging and helpful for your mental health and well being. Discover art classes in Southern California where you can paint alongside people who have the potential to become a new friend. Whatever you choose to do, put your recovery first and only partake in activities when you feel comfortable to do so.
Forgive yourself if you relapse unexpectedly.
While you’re on the road to sobriety and long term recovery, you may encounter relapses along the way. It’s important to remember that a relapse is not a failure. Work with a counselor or seek additional help from a substance abuse treatment facility to determine a better treatment plan for your individual needs and lifestyle. Relapse is an indication of your treatment plan being unsuccessful, not of your failure to successfully implement the plan. Be patient with yourself as you learn how to address your mental health concerns and behavior to create an environment that is more conducive to recovery. Enact a relapse prevention plan moving forward to keep yourself on track.
