People often try drugs to experience the high and to run away from their problems, thinking they have the power to stop it at any point in their lives. After consuming them for an extended period, they realize the hard truth that it’s too late to overcome this dangerous habit.
Dependence on drugs is not new to the world, and even though people know how bad their effects are on the body, they figure that you only live once, right? We disagree with that, and in this article, you’ll be able to learn more about why it’s imperative to quit drugs, what it feels like to stop taking them, and how to overcome them effectively.
Why quit drugs?
No matter how hard it feels, it’s never too late to quit drugs. Decreasing their intake will improve your life significantly. By avoiding drugs, you will:
- Improve your mental and physical health
- Reduce your expenses
- Feel energetic
- Increase the life of your vital organs
- Increase your lifespan
- Improve your social relationships
- Sleep better
- Look healthier
- now your inner self better
Drug addicts who have recovered explain that quitting made their lives better, but it can take time to reach that stage. The withdrawal stage in between quitting drugs and getting better is the most challenging to deal with. And, the ones who overcome it win the jackpot of life.
What it feels like to quit drugs
Drug intake is not even voluntary at times. Many patients have to undergo complicated treatments. For instance, opioids like fentanyl or morphine are given to cancer patients to numb the severe pain. It reduces the pain to some extent, but once the treatment is over, it often leaves patients with a severe addiction that is hard to overcome.
When you start to come off a substance, your body starts to experience withdrawal symptoms. While going through this stage, the body experiences side effects that can be mild or serious, depending on the addiction level. In most cases, people often have to get help for fentanyl addiction because overcoming the withdrawal symptoms is not easy. And Fentanyl is just one of many drugs that act as double-edged swords.
Tips to quit drugs
Quitting drugs is not easy; you may be addicted or dependent and don’t even realise it.
- Admit you are facing an issue. Your first step is, to be honest with yourself and admit that you have a problem. Ask yourself various questions that help you realise the ugly truth. If you keep ignoring it, you will only ruin your life as time goes by.
- Surround yourself with sober people. While you are trying to overcome your drug addiction, you should try socialising with supportive people. Find groups consisting of sober people who will encourage you to stay away from drugs. You might have gotten an addiction due to the fact that you were surrounded by friends who were drug addicts themselves. Friendship aside, such a group could be toxic for you, so you should avoid them unless they care to overcome their addiction as well.
- Keep yourself busy. Sometimes the best way to overcome an addiction is to divert your mind to something else. Maybe you have a hobby or interest you want to try. Starting a hobby might help you regain your motivation, confidence, and purpose in life. Plus, you will stay away from your unhealthy habits of the past.
- Work out. Exercising regularly will help improve your physical and mental well-being. Working out releases endorphins, which are naturally good for the body, making you healthier and will help in reducing your withdrawal symptoms eventually. You don’t necessarily have to start with a high-intensity workout. Just a brisk walk every day can do the trick. Keep adding more exercise routines as you grow accustomed to your rehabilitation period.
- Focus on your diet. While exercise is essential, you cannot ignore the fact that you also need to eat well. After all, a healthy diet will help you stay energetic, motivated, and committed to overcoming your addiction. Moreover, good food will help improve your mood while fighting the problem you are facing.
- Meditate. They say that meditation is the best medication, and we couldn’t agree more. The best thing about meditation is that it is flexible. You don’t necessarily have to stick with a specific pattern to practice it. You can create your method of meditation. Find ways of meditating to ensure you stay happy and content.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are several ways by which you can overcome your drug addiction. Practising a few of them every day in your life can reap lasting benefits. Also, it helps you stay sharp and focused on working on your life goals. Never feel ashamed of getting help from your friends, family members, or professionals, as you only live once – so why not make the best out of the precious opportunity.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
