Take Control: 5 Critical First Steps to Make Your Pill Addiction a Thing of the Past
You have a pill addiction, right?
You’re not alone. About 20% of the population of the United States has at one point abused pills. Your addiction doesn’t make you a bad person but it does mean you need help.
Are you ready for that help?
Taking the first steps toward getting rid of a pill addiction means you’re taking control of your life. But what do those steps include?
We’ve put together a list of critical first steps any addict should take. The journey isn’t easy but once you take the first step, the rest fall into place. Before you know it, sobriety is not just a dream.
Not sure where you start? Keep reading and we’ll walk you through the first 5 steps.
Step 1: Admit You Have a Problem
Admitting you have a problem is always the first step.
Your family’s concern is nothing new. They’ve suspected you have a pill addiction for a long time. You’ve already lost relationships with family and friends. Your boss got tired of you not showing up for work and straight-out fired you.
Despite the loss of a job, friendships, and health, many addicts won’t get help. Drug addiction affects one in seven Americans. Only 10% receive treatment. Many of those who don’t receive treatment can’t or won’t admit they have a problem.
But you’re taking this first step and it takes courage. It doesn’t matter what brought you to this fork in the road. The important thing is that you’re here.
You may feel overwhelmed at this point. You might even feel pressure from fellow addicts who aren’t yet ready for recovery. Take a deep breath and continue taking steps in a forward direction.
You’ve taken control and it’s time for the next step.
Step 2: Talk to an Addiction Specialist
Admitting you have a problem with addiction is the first step toward taking control of your life and the addiction itself. The next step is talking with an addiction specialist and getting an assessment.
Addiction specialists are physicians who are board certified in addiction medicine. They can also be psychiatrists certified in addiction psychiatry. Addiction specialists provide treatment for substance use and addiction.
During your assessment, the addiction specialist asks questions about your life and your addiction. You’ll also have a physical examination so the doctor gets a better picture of your overall health.
Once the addiction specialist finishes the exam, it’s time for discussion about your treatment plan. Treatment options include inpatient or outpatient treatment, medication, behavioral therapy, and counseling. Most treatment plans include a combination of these options.
Talking to an addiction specialist and choosing a treatment plan means you’ve taken even more control over your addiction but don’t stop here.
Step 3: Begin Detox
This step is more difficult but necessary if you truly want pill addiction help.
The first few days of sobriety may challenge you but you’ll have support from your doctor and the treatment staff. Most addicts aren’t sure what to expect from this step of sobriety. You may experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days and feel physically sick.
Don’t attempt detox without medical supervision. When you took that step of talking with your addiction specialist you became part of a team. The team’s goal is helping you know how to get off pain pills or whatever substance you’re addicted to.
Detox doesn’t last forever, so keep your chin up!
Step 4: Concentrate on Treatment
Making it through detox proves you can control your life.
Once you complete detox the work of recovery begins. This is a time when you can’t afford distractions. Recovery is hard work and requires your focus and commitment.
Treatment for pill addiction includes therapy and education about addiction. You’ll spend a lot of time talking, either with a counselor or in a group, about your addiction. You’ll also spend time learning about how you got to this point and how you’ll avoid relapse.
Treatment usually lasts about 28 days if your program is at an inpatient facility. Depending on the severity of your addiction, your treatment may last up to 90 days.
Formal treatment prepares you for the next step-sober living.
Step 5: Look Forward to Sobriety
Getting sober is a big job. Sometimes recovering addicts are tempted by all the other things they’ve avoided. Finances, relationships, and health are usually high on the list.
Focus on sober living right now. You’ll figure out your finances as you progress. You’ll be surprised by how quickly your general health improves now that you aren’t dealing with a pill addiction. Mending relationships takes time.
Right now, your job is enjoying sobriety. Take time for yourself and get to know the new you. If any of this sounds like something you’re ready for, there’s no time like the present.
Goodbye, Pill Addiction
Saying “goodbye” to a pill addiction, or any addiction for that matter, is the first step toward a lifetime of physical and emotional health.
BigStrydz is with you every step of the way! We’d love to hear from you with questions about your journey, so please contact us today.