Millions of Americans fall prey to addiction to alcohol or other illicit drugs each year. Regrettably, 1.4 percent of them make it to a rehab, only after hitting rock bottom. Addiction leads to distinct thinking patterns in individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD), which enables them to continue abusing drugs despite the negative and detrimental consequences. Their brains are altered by chemicals, which induce thoughts exclusively focused on ways and means to obtain the forbidden substance in order to experience the desired high.

Further, such psychological cravings give rise to thought patterns, which are common to those hooked on drugs. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, substance users may have a cognitive problem and their brains might not be capable of completely processing long-term consequences. Besides, research also shows that people who abuse drugs tend to be more impulse. Such impulsiveness and the incapacity to process long-term consequences cause distrust in relationships and social isolation, which is furthered by the ongoing cycle of drug dependence. So, seeking professional services of a reputed rehabilitation center is crucial to regain control of one’s life and rectify the drug-induced destructive patterns of behavior.

There is no doubt that times are changing, but unfortunately, there is still a huge stigma attached to addiction, particularly when it is capable of causing a great deal of harm. Studies show that mental and physical health hazards arising out of addiction tend to assume many forms, making it tough to ascertain how to collectively treat them with a single method. Many people face multiple symptoms, but the complex nature of these conditions prevents them from expressing what they are going through due to the fear of being misunderstood or ridiculed. Unfortunately, there are so many people grappling with an addiction and yet, unwilling to disclose their condition due to the attached stigma and shame.

Coping with drug-induced urges and cravings

Insatiable cravings are unavoidable for every individual who engages in addictive behaviors. At the outset of the recovery, such cravings can be pretty stubborn and may require a contingency plan in the event of relapse. However, one can adopt some coping strategies to prevent this from happening, such as:

• Recognizing one’s personal triggers: Every individual is unique and so will his or her triggers be. Being aware of them beforehand is the key to successfully dealing with them to avoid any incident of relapse.
• Learning about one’s triggers in a better way: Triggers and cravings are an integral part of an individual’s journey to recover and sobriety. Unfortunately, many people are fooled into believing that they will not experience such cravings and therefore ill-equipped to withstand any future urge. It makes sense to recognize one’s distinctive combination of triggers and ensure a ready counter-strategy.
• Trying out trigger plan: Engaging in a role play in front of a mirror to stay prepared in case of a possible future craving will certainly go a long way in saving any person with addiction from a rough day or fully-fledged relapse back into substance abuse.
• Not testing one’s endurance levels: However strong one may consider oneself, there is always a possibility that there could be an unidentified trigger, which may cause an urge to relapse. Hence, testing one’s endurance levels is not recommended at all.
• Taking care of oneself: People can handle themselves better when they are in control of their emotions. However, during certain times when someone is gripped by hunger, loneliness, anger or weariness, they can become emotionally weak and readily succumb to cravings.

Leading a drug-free life

Drugs are actually painkillers, which suppress mental, emotional and physical pain. Drug abusers simply run away from problems by numbing their abilities to see the reality. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2016, 20.1 million Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in the past year. Such a widely prevalent alcohol and drug abuse crisis is emerging as a major public health challenge.

In the wake of the unending crisis, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF) is observing the National Rehabilitation Week from September 17 to 23, to create awareness about the dire need for rehabilitation and to bust the myths surrounding drug abuse and addiction.

If any misconception associated with addiction has prevented you or your loved one from taking addiction treatment, contact Sovereign Health of San Clemente, California, which offers a variety of customized therapies for a wide range of addictions to treat the afflicted individuals holistically. Experts at our state-of-the-art addiction treatment centers are trained to identify the underlying causes and prescribe customized treatment for addiction as well as group psychotherapy based on the patient’s requirements. Additionally, patients can also opt for alternative therapeutic activities to regain control of their lives. Call our 24/7 helpline or chat online with one of our representatives for more details.