Recovering from any type of addiction can be very tough, but it is possible to overcome this illness and go on to live a healthy and happy sober life. However, the threat of addiction relapse will always be present. Relapse is something that most recovering addicts fear, but it should not be something that prevents the affected individual from reaching out for help.
It is important to remember that addiction relapse is not inevitable. Many people will get sober and never have a slip-up again for the rest of their lives. However, for some, addiction relapse becomes a crucial part of their recovery; their slip-up reminds them of why they wanted to get clean in the first place, and it motivates them to get their recovery back on track.
Staying Vigilant
The best way to avoid addiction relapse is to remain vigilant throughout recovery. Many individuals become complacent about their sobriety, making them in danger of slipping back into their olds ways and leaving themselves vulnerable to relapse.
Jamie Lee Curtis has been sober for eighteen years after previously battling an alcohol addiction. She manages to stay clean by viewing her sobriety as ‘an opportunity to serve others’. She said, “I am sober coming up 18 years, and the beauty of spending a life as an alcohol and addict in recovery is that it is about service to others.”
Painkiller Addiction
Jamie has also spoken out recently about a painkiller addiction that she struggled with. It was in response to the news that pop legend Prince had been struggling with a deadly opioid addiction for almost twenty-five years before an accidental overdose of fentanyl led to his death in April 2016.
She spoke about an article relating to the star’s death in which his addiction was described as ‘toxic’, saying, “I can relate. I was toxic too. I too, waited anxiously for a prescription to be filled for the opiate I was secretly addicted to. I too, took too many at once. I too, sought to kill emotional and physical pain with painkillers. Kill it. Make it stop.”
Jamie also said, “Most people who become addicted, like me, do so after a prescription for a painkiller following a medical procedure. Once the phenomenon of craving sets in, it is often too late.”
Nevertheless, in order to maintain her sobriety, Jamie works hard to help others, and she has encouraged more people to do the same.
Recognising Addiction
Addiction is very tough to beat, but with the support of loved ones and help from professional counsellors and therapists, it is possible to get better. Perhaps the biggest step an addict can take on the road to recovery is actually admitting that the problem exists in the first place.
All too often, those with addiction will be unable to see the truth of their situation. Many, who have an idea that they may be relying on toxic substances, will prefer to bury their heads in the sand than face up to their problems. For them, it is easier to deny it than have to recognise it exists.
Is Addiction an Issue for You?
While most people would never dream of taking illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, the majority of adults in the UK think nothing of drinking alcohol. Nonetheless, some experts believe that alcohol is more dangerous than some illegal drugs in terms of the health problems it can cause and the fact that it is highly addictive.
With most people drink in moderation, there is a universal belief that alcohol is harmless. However, for those who regularly drink more than the recommended alcohol amount each week, the reality is the complete opposite. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a host of illnesses including dementia and cancer, and even those who drink in moderation have been warned that there is actually no safe limit when it comes to preventing alcohol-related cancers.
It is hard for some individuals to tell when alcohol has become a problem. Have they crossed the line from moderate or habitual drinking to something more problematic? If they regularly drink, they may be unaware that their tolerance is increasing and therefore may not notice that they need more alcohol each time to achieve the desired effects.
If you take a good look at your drinking habits and are completely honest with yourself, you may actually find that you are in danger of developing a physical dependence on alcohol, and this can lead to addiction. Maybe you are already addicted and have noticed that alcohol has started to cause adverse problems in your life.
If you are unable to control your drinking, or you regularly drink more than you planned, it could be that you have become addicted. If so, contact us here at Addiction Helper and we can assess your situation. We can either confirm your fears or put your mind at rest. If we believe that addiction has become a problem, we can assist you by providing details on the best treatment provider for your needs so that you can tackle the problem as soon as possible.
Beating Addiction
We want to tell you that beating addiction is possible. Even those with severe alcohol and drug addictions have managed to get clean and are now living healthy and happy lives with their families. With the use of various counselling and therapy methods, it is possible to learn how to live without relying on toxic substances. And a major part of rehabilitation is addiction relapse prevention, which will ensure that you know what to do when faced with temptations and triggers.
For more information on how we can help, contact Addiction Helper’s helpline today.
Source: Jamie Lee Curtis: ‘Sobriety is my service to others’ (Film News)