Sadly, many people self-medicate for a variety of reasons, and while this might be effective for a while, a dependency usually emerges, and that can be very problematic.
What is the definition of a drug addict?
A person that uses a substance regularly, and it affects their life in a negative way; many addicts manage to keep their job and relationships—not all addictions end with the user destroying their life. When thinking of a drug addict, most people conjure up a mental image of a person lying in the gutter, wearing dirty clothes and homeless, and while such people exist, the majority of addicts manage to hold down a regular job and have a place to live. The best drug rehab in Thailand is one of the effective treatments, where you work with seasoned professionals who give you the support you need.
Here are a few tips for those who are having substance abuse issues.
- Be honest with yourself: it is oh so easy to convince yourself that you don’t have a drug problem, and to be honest, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Sadly, many people are not able to admit to themselves that they need help, and their problems usually compound until they reach rock bottom.
- Make positive changes in your life: This is essential if you want to be successful in quitting using; delete the phone numbers of users you know and politely decline any offers of meeting up. You will soon find out who your real friends are when you announce you are trying to quit using.
- Take up a hobby: You need to replace your desire to use with something you are passionate about. Something that you enjoy doing, maybe a sport or a pastime that hits the spot; this will give you the motivation to change your life for the better.
- Seek help: There is nothing to be ashamed of if you seek help to overcome your addiction; it is so much harder if you are alone. We all need emotional support, and without that, your chances of success are limited. There are support groups that you can join, and they can be found with a Google search.
- Change your living environment: This can really help because a different living environment helps to forget your old life; ‘out with the old and in with the new’ certainly applies when dealing with substance abuse. Of course, this is not always possible, and if it is not, there are things you can do to change your living environment.
- Book into a top rehab clinic: Thailand is home to some of the best rehab clinics in the world and there is no better way to tackle a substance abuse issue. A team of professional counsellors and specialists works with you, giving you all the support you need, motivating you to reach your goal of getting clean and staying that way!
- Be positive: A person with low self-esteem would find it much harder to be successful in quitting using, so it is important to build self-confidence. Think about all of the success you have experienced in your life; focus on your good qualities, rather than wallowing in self-pity.
- Substance abuse counselling: Typically former addicts who have overcome their addiction, substance abuse counsellors can relate to what you are going through, and the user has a level of respect for a person who has managed to change their life for the better.
- Wean yourself off gradually: Some people are unable to go through cold turkey, and another way is to gradually reduce the amount you use. This can work if you have the self-discipline needed, and with the help of family and friends, you can eventually reach a stage where you no longer need the substance. Don’t try to do this over too short a period, as it is less likely to be effective; write a plan with a timeline of a few months and reduce your dosage in steps.
- Talk to your local GP: Your doctor might be able to help you by prescribing medication as a substitute. While this is not always possible, you have nothing to lose by being honest and asking the healthcare professional.
If you are ready to take action and stop using, the first and most important step is to admit that you have a problem and you need help. No one can quit on their own; we all need help in such a situation, and we hope that this article helps you to get on the right track and end the suffering caused by drug use.
