There are millions of people all over the world suffering from all kinds of drug addictions. Each drug will have its own set of side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but one thing they all have in common is the power to ruin lives. A drug addiction can negatively impact not only the life of the addict but also the lives of their loved ones. It can put a massive amount of strain on relationships, and a lot of people do not know how to cope or deal with an addicted loved one.
Many individuals in treatment for addiction may find that it will take a few attempts before they manage to fully overcome their illness. In a lot of cases, the abuser will fall victim to an addiction relapse. With the right help and support, though, the abuser can avoid succumbing to an addiction relapse, but it does require a lot of hard work.
‘Weed Head’
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor has committed to overcoming her marijuana addiction after posting on Facebook that she has been a ‘weed head’ for years. She wrote, ”I was in rehab by the way. For thirty years of being a weed head. Can proudly state I now have clean p**s and will be in a sober living environment for the next year. It’s more like a home environment. Only its complete with support system. Which is a first for me. Proud of self. Wasn’t easy…” Sinead has been abusing marijuana for many years. Eventually deciding that enough was enough, she admitted herself to a sober living facility to aid her on her journey to sobriety as well as to have supervision in case of an addiction relapse.
Difficult Year
Sinead has not had the easiest year after she tried to take her life, which resulted in her being hospitalised. She then went missing and failed to return home after what should have been a short bike ride. Commenting on this, she said, “0-18 years in Ireland and then 34 years in music business and the s**t that’s gone on for the last year… it’s a miracle I wasn’t on every drug in sundry.” She has admitted that she is still not where she wants to be in terms of recovery. Recently, she had a difficult hysterectomy and hormone replacement, which left her feeling terrible. She wrote, “Still feeling so miserable from surgery. I don’t recommend it. Lost awful lot of blood as liver got cut accidentally so am weak as F**k. Gotta go to emergency. Liver all f**ked and killing me. Can’t breathe properly it so sore. Am posting as am lonely. Story of life. Wish was not so alone in world. Gotta be worth something to someone after all these years and after all I given. Am so shocked to be so all alone”
Many of these issues, which are fuelled by her drug addiction, could have possibly been avoided had she committed to recovery sooner. It can often take a significant change or life event to show someone that they need to give up the booze or drugs.
‘Just Stop’
There is a common misconception that those who suffer from a drug addiction can simply stop when they want to and that it’s not a big deal to quit taking the drugs. Nevertheless, those that think this are often people who have had little or no experience with addiction. The brain of an addict has physically changed, which means that this person often finds it difficult to make sound decisions, such as to stop taking drugs. Many of them will find it easier to focus on the reasons they should continue taking drugs. Excuses such as ‘I’ve already tried to quit’ or ‘it’s too hard’ are constantly playing in their head. Nonetheless, just because someone has had an addiction relapse does not mean that he or she will never be able to overcome their addiction. In fact, many addicts will experience an addiction relapse at some point on their journey; it is extremely common and does not make them a ‘failure’ or a ‘hopeless case’, as many others would start to believe.
Crucial First Step
Deciding to get sober is the crucial first step on the road to recovery. The first major hurdle to face is the detoxification process, which endeavours to rid the system of the toxic substances. This step is where many will experience a relapse as detox is often thought to be the most challenging step in overcoming any addiction.
If you are a person in this situation, you may experience withdrawal symptoms as a result of not taking drugs (or alcohol). However, the severity and intensity of these withdrawals will depend on how long you have been abusing the drug, what drug you are abusing and your general health and wellbeing.
It is important to detox with someone else present to assist you in the event of any complications when detoxing Preferably, this should be in a detox facility in the presence of professional personnel. It should not be considered a scary process; you are simply trying to recover from your addiction and lead a sober life.
Many people are put off recovery by the thought of relapsing; however, it is not as scary as it sounds. As mentioned above, many drug abusers will experience an addiction relapse while trying to overcome their addiction. This is not unusual at all, but with the right support, they can make it through this and fully recover from their illness. AddictionHelper.com can provide advice and information for anyone affected by addiction; contact us today.