Whether you are dependent on prescription painkillers or addicted to heroin, overcoming opiate addiction is tough. If you have tried to quit and failed, it may seem downright impossible. It isn’t though. You can overcome opiate addiction, but you can’t do it on your own.
The Problem With Trying To Go “Cold Turkey”
The do-it-yourself “cold turkey” method of quitting heroin or prescription drug abuse is common and frequently unsuccessful. It’s tempting to think that if you just muster up enough willpower and determination you can quit using on your own. You believe you just have to get through those first days of opiate withdrawal symptoms and you’ll be fine. Perhaps you close yourself in your room or confine yourself to the couch, telling yourself you will just kick it all by yourself and in a few days you will be clean and life will be okay. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
Most people try over and over again to quit opiates only to fail miserably. They make it through a day or two or maybe even a couple of weeks, only to go back to using. This can create a vicious cycle of quitting and relapsing that leaves you feeling helpless and hopeless.
Why Can’t I Quit My Opiate Addiction On My Own?
There are two common scenarios that occur when one tries to kick opiates on their own.
One: You aren’t able to get past the withdrawal stage. The symptoms are too much for you to bear. You just want to get well again and so you use within the first few days.
Two: You manage to get past detox and withdrawal. You get some rest and start to regain your strength. You are officially clean! Then, days or weeks later, you relapse. This is very common, and for those who relapse weeks after kicking opiates, the question is: What went wrong?
Let’s cover the first scenario. Getting past addiction withdrawal is tough on several levels. You are battling symptoms that are painful and very unpleasant. The temptation to use so that you can get relief is strong, and if “help” is just a phone call away, you might not be able to resist.
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Next, environment plays a huge role. Are you in a home where there are people using? Do you have support? Is someone there to help care for you? If you are going it alone or don’t have supportive people in your corner, your chances of making it through the detox process are slim.
You need to be getting adequate rest, hydration, and nutrients. This isn’t easy when you are sick and weak.
The second scenario involves something even more powerful than the physical dependence opiate users experience. This is the psychological addiction. Too often, people mistakenly believe that if they can just get past opiate detox they will be fine, but this isn’t usually the case. The psychological pull to use is powerful, and without help, you may find yourself back to square one.
How Can I Quit My Opiate Addiction For Good This Time?
Doing the same thing over and over again is only going to bring you the same results. Do something different this time and achieve freedom from opiate addiction.
If you are serious about quitting opiates, you are going to need help. There is nothing wrong with getting help for opiate addiction. You aren’t a superhero, you are a human being facing one of the most powerful addictions there is. It’s completely normal to need some help and support.
Getting Help From Opiate Detox Centers
One of the best, easiest and most comfortable ways to deal with the first few days of detox is to check into a medical detox center or an addiction treatment center that can accommodate your detox needs. There, you will find yourself in comfortable surroundings with supportive staff who can get you through the withdrawal process and minimize discomfort. You may elect to receive medications that can help ease symptoms and allow you to get some rest.
When you are in a detox facility, you are much more likely to follow through with the withdrawal process and not use. You are in a safe environment free from outside distractions, away from the people, places and things you associate with using and you are surrounded by support.
Is Opiate Detox Enough?
A detox center can help get you through those initial few days without opiates, but the work isn’t over. If you are addicted, the physical symptoms are only part of the problem. In order to be truly free from pills or heroin, you need to address the psychological aspect of addiction. You must build new habits, rid yourself of old habits that lead to using and learn new coping skills so that you can get through life’s challenges without using.
A drug treatment center, like The Discovery House can help. Once you complete the detox process, entering into inpatient drug treatment can increase your chances of successfully overcoming addiction.
Addressing underlying causes or contributors is another element of treatment that brings you closer to freedom. Depression and anxiety, trauma and poor coping skills are all issues that must be addressed or you will likely start using again.
Don’t Do It Alone
If you are ready to let go of your opiate addiction, it’s time to get help. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. You can get help and reclaim your life. Getting help from the professionals at The Discovery House will give you a far better outcome. There are numerous options for treatment and support. Call today (818) 452-1676 to speak with an addiction specialist on our team to get started in your new life.