In the weirdest of scenarios, even drug addicts – like the ones smoking Xanax, using cocaine, or choking on hemp – sometimes look for ways to break free from their addictions. Although not all of them, but the few that are lucky enough to realize the danger in the path they’ve been treading often lookout for ways to become drug-free. But unfortunately, many of these addicts are never able to realize their drug-free dreams. Not because they don’t want to, but because of how they choose to go about it. More often than not, you find addicts researching how they can break free from their addiction without necessarily going through what they perceive to be a shameful and tedious process of rehabilitation. Long story short, they’re looking for ways to beat it on their own. Sounds like a pretty good choice; after all, they started it by themselves, so why can’t they end it all by themselves? But we are here to tell you this: if you’ve been wondering whether you can quit your addiction by yourself or not, the answer really depends on your particular situation. According to some recent data, it was established that about half of addicts who have been able to recover from addiction do so on their own, while about half do so thanks to the help they got from external sources. So what path is really right for my addiction condition? Some may quip. Well, you’re going to have to make that decision yourself, but before you do, please find out what we know in the frames below.
Detoxification without rehabilitation: What you need to know before you proceed
Although many books and blogs online might have you believe that you can go through your drug addiction recovery phase all by yourself, we actually beg to differ. Reason being that, while the majority of the recovery phase will be handled and experienced by you alone, you still need the help of a professional in case things go south. In most cases, the acute symptoms that occur when an individual stops using a substance they’ve grown so addicted to can be life-threatening, or at the very least severe. When you now try to go about it yourself, you risk experiencing these symptoms without necessarily having the right measures in place to combat them. At a detox or rehab center, however, there are always physicians, medication, and facilities available. So, even if you develop these acute symptoms, they have all the necessary facilities needed to stabilize you and bring you back to normalcy. Additionally, they may also be able to prescribe to you drugs that can help ease the pain of withdrawal, so that you don’t find it entirely difficult going through the phase. By and large, you really don’t want to limit your withdrawal phase to self-care; instead, you should always seek the help of a therapist, interventionist, physician, or any other relevant medical practitioner.
Overcoming addiction without rehab
Yes, you can overcome your addiction with or without a rehab. In fact, if history is anything to go by, then we’ve seen a series of instances where addicts were able to overcome their addictions and cravings without leaving the comfort of their homes. Rehabilitation – which is staying off the substance or alcohol after the initial acute withdrawal phase is over – can definitely be done on your own. So whether you choose to go to a rehab or not, the process of overcoming your addiction depends solely on you, as no one can make you get sober, you have to want it on a deep level. That is to say that you have to curb your cravings, go through the fire alone, and make the necessary adjustments in your life. But in order to make the entire process more effective, you may need one or some of the following:
Support from like-minded people (if possible, past addicts) who have been in your position, and who understand exactly what you’re going through
Tips, guides, and training on how to prevent relapse
Counseling or therapy
Medication to combat any acute symptoms
Help with starting a new life
Support and encouragement from friends, family, and loved ones.