How to Lead a Drug Free Life

Are you struggling with drug addiction and ready to lead a drug-free life? The first step is recognising that you need help and being willing to make the change with residential addiction treatment.

It will take more than just willpower to overcome an addiction, as drugs cause the brain to change, creating powerful cravings and compulsions. These side effects often make it seem impossible to achieve sobriety. But recovering from drug addiction is never truly impossible, no matter how dire you believe your situation is.

To recover, you must be willing to put in time and dedication, and you can regain control of your life again and beat your addiction. If you commit to living a drug-free life, you must understand that many elements of life will change. These may include:

• How you cope with stress
• Activities you do in your free time
• The people you allow into your life
• The way you think of yourself

If you are unsure if you are willing to give up your drug addiction, it is important to consider how giving up may impact your life. Think about things such as:

• The role addiction plays in your life, such as when you use drugs and how much drugs you use
• The pros and cons you can think of that will result from quitting
• The costs associated with continuing drug use
• What’s important to you in life, it could be your family, career, or health, and how drug use may impact these things

Once you have decided that you want to proceed with living a drug-free life, it is important to consider the treatment options available. These options will vary depending on the type of drug you are addicted to. Successful treatment programs often include many elements such as:

• Detoxification: cleansing your body of the drug and managing any withdrawal symptoms that may result
• Behavioural therapy: therapy can help you determine the cause of your drug addiction. It can also assist you with rebuilding relationships and learning healthier coping mechanisms
• Medication: medication is sometimes used to help you manage symptoms of withdrawal, prevent relapses from occurring, or treat mental health issues such as anxiety or depression
• Long term follow-ups: long term follow-ups can assist you in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapses. This may mean attending regular support groups or online meetings so professionals can ensure you are on track with recovery

Types of treatments include:

• Residential addiction treatment: you will live in a facility and be away from your normal life commitments while you undergo intensive treatment. This may last a few days, to many months
• Transitional Housing: you will live with several other recovering addicts in an environment that is safe, supportive and drug-free. These are beneficial for individuals who don’t have anywhere to go or those who are worried returning home may lead to a relapse.

If you’re looking to end your addiction, the Hader Clinic Queensland can help you go down the right path towards living a drug-free life.