Neha Chhabra

SAY NO TO DRUGS, FEEL HOPEFUL

Addiction is a brain disease.

Drugs change how the brain works. People who are addicted can’t stop using drugs even when they really want to. Their priorities change and getting drugs can become more important than their loved ones, responsibilities, and life goals. Drug addiction can be treated, but recovery can take time sometimes a long time. Drug addiction often requires treatment throughout a person’s life. Even after a period of time without using drugs, an addicted person may have a relapse, meaning they start to use again. Relapse requires more or different treatment in order for him or her to stop using drugs again.

Compassion is a key to healing.

Psychological counselling is a big part that plays a vital role in healing a drug addict to recover. A one-on-one group therapy session helps a drug addict to open-up & explore themselves to the world. Yoga & meditation can help to get rid out of drugs. Meditation & mindfulness plays an important role in recovery as it is limited to the brain, it also reduces blood pressure, lowers the risk of stroke, strengthens the immune system, minimizes pain sensitivity & enhances cognitive function, healing & cleansing the inner soul. Many alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs have included meditation as a part of their treatment plan because it provides powerful support for addicts in recovering quickly.

Any addiction in excess is always bad for health.

It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not. Addiction is not a moral failing. No person is bad or flawed. However, the reality of most, addictions, is that they require ongoing care to manage. Being in recovery is a lifelong commitment that will not always come easy. Recovery requires actions rather than intentions. Making lifestyle changes promotes personal growth & long-term addiction recovery.

How can one get rid of drug addiction & lead a healthy-happy lifestyle?

1. Taking small daily actions to improve lifestyle and work towards your goals, such as walking for 15 minutes, or signing up for a new class to keep yourself busy is the only way to move forward.
2. Inner change – changing the way you think and deal with emotions – is what will truly lead to long-term recovery.
3. Activities such as volunteering, exercising & attending classes are good options.
4. Quit smoking, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), suggests that they are more addicts who enter addiction treatment programmes & die from tobacco related issues than from the drug which initially pushed them to get treatment. If you are scared of relapsing while trying to quit smoking, or do not know how to quit, speak to a specialist – you do not have to do it alone.
5. Spending quality time with family, friends & loved ones who understand what you have been through and are supportive of your new lifestyle.
6. Diet and exercise are important in addiction recovery. Taking care of your overall physical health will lower your chances for relapse. A healthy mind and body go a long way in addiction recovery.
7. Forgiving yourself and others can be a huge part of recovery. If you continue to hold on to resentments from the past, then your risk for relapse is high.
8. Avoiding triggers by staying away from drug users or parties with drugs, or other situations that might lead to drug cravings.
9. Protection from abuse or trauma.
10. Changing your environment, getting enough rest, pamper yourself & spend time in nature, adopt a pet.

Recovery is about progression, not perfection.

Showing unconditional love & concern can help recover & inspire the drug addict to lead a healthy & happy life. If you as partner support and understand him/her no matter how severe their addiction is but you let them know that you still love & care about them. Let the person with the addiction know what you won't put up with, and don't be scared to set limits and follow through to show you aren't simply making empty threats or psychologically punishing them for their addictive behavior this would reconcile your relationship & would help the drug addict to recover.