When the fog of not knowing never seems to lift, and you’re fed up. Perhaps from repeated arrests for driving under the influence, your spouse tossing you out of the house, your kids hating you, or your job jeopardized, all is not lost. You may not be able to quit drinking or drugs on your own, but there is help available. At The Ranch PA, if you’re ready to confront your substance use disorder, then we’re ready to help. Together we can create a strategy to quit addiction that works for you.
A Strategy to Quit Addiction: 12-Step Meetings
For many who seek sobriety, the easiest and least complicated approach is to try 12-step meetings. The most widely known of these self-help support groups is Alcoholics Anonymous, although there are also many other 12-step groups. Also, there are non-12-step self-help groups that you can check out. At these meetings, people gather to maintain their sobriety and to help others who desire to do the same. Going through the door is probably the hardest part. Since this is all-new, you’re likely a little leery of what you’re in for. Consider this a strong and empathic networking group, for that, is exactly what it is.
Talk to a Doctor or Counselor or Call a Treatment Facility
Just going to a self-help meeting for the first time or even several times may not be enough to curb your drinking and/or drug use. Such support is an integral part of the overall recovery process, but it isn’t counseling or therapy. You may wish to talk with your family physician or a doctor who can offer you advice on how to cut down or quit drinking and doing drugs. If you have insurance coverage that includes counseling, you may also wish to talk with a professional regarding your desire to quit abusing substances. In either case, talking with a doctor or a counselor will prove enlightening. He or she can give you recommendations for different approaches you might wish to take. The next step is up to you. How much do you want to change your life, and are you willing to do what it takes to make that possible?
After getting recommendations and resources from your doctor and/or counselor, you may next want to check out the treatment facilities that you’re considering. This isn’t all that difficult, although it feels like a big step. In fact, it is a huge step. You’re proactive in ending your dependence on substances and signaling that you’re willing to do what it takes. In this instance, why not call a rehab facility and request a free assessment? The operative word here is “free.” You won’t be obligated, and you will get a good overview of what you’re dealing with, learn what the treatment center has to offer, and other important details regarding the treatment process.
Weigh Your Options for Detox
Part of the difficulty in quitting alcohol and drugs on your own is the inevitable detoxification you’ll likely need to go through before formal treatment can begin. Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities have medically-monitored detox available as part of their overall treatment programs. However, other rehab centers don’t have onsite medically monitored detox, and you’ll be required to go through detox elsewhere before being admitted for treatment. Your doctor and/or counselor will give you recommendations or referrals so you can find out more about where to go for detox.
Counseling Is Key
After getting the alcohol and drugs out of your system, you’re ready to begin formal treatment. This largely consists of counseling with medical professionals, psychiatrists, and psychologists specializing in the field of addiction. Counseling occurs in one-on-one sessions and in group therapy. Other important aspects of treatment include various therapies that have been proven to assist in recovery from addiction. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help change destructive thought patterns, diet and nutrition counseling, as well as alternative holistic therapies such as meditation, traditional therapies such as Western botanical medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, and experiential therapies.
Strategy to Quit Addiction: Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Another choice is residential (or inpatient) treatment or what is known as intensive outpatient treatment. Some find clearing the time from a job and home responsibilities required for inpatient treatment isn’t feasible. That’s where intensive outpatient treatment — essentially the same treatment, but you go home at night — offers a viable path to get clean and sober. There’s also the cost factor. Inpatient treatment costs more than outpatient rehab. This is a case where you examine all the options and make the best choice to suit your situation, and the approach you feel is likely to give you the most opportunity to realize your goal of sobriety.
Whatever You Choose, Stick It Out
No matter which approach you choose, recognize quitting alcohol and drugs isn’t simple. It will require hard work. Often, you’ll find yourself wanting to do something easier. You might think about quitting therapy because you find it too difficult. Don’t quit. Your problems, which have escalated and become increasingly damaging, won’t go away. Because addiction never goes away, if anything, your problems will intensify. You need to commit to the process. This means you learn about addiction, practice effective coping strategies, craft a solid relapse prevention plan, attend self-help and support meetings, and work on recovery. Sticking it out is the only way that makes sense. A simple formula that has proven to work for many people in the past: get a sponsor, work the steps, and keep coming back. After completing treatment and returning home, you’ll find that part of your relapse prevention plan will include regular participation in self-help groups.
Let The Ranch PA Help You Create a Strategy to Quit Addiction
Recovery takes time. Also, it takes time to see measurable results. That’s why commitment and learning from your mistakes is so important. To do so, you need a strategy to quit addiction. The Ranch PA is here to help you craft a plan. We offer a variety of treatment options such as:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Pain management
- Aftercare
This isn’t a one-and-done process. What you learn in treatment is that you make your own choices. You choose how you wish to live, day in and day out. While you will always be in recovery, the life you choose to live is very much in your control. If you’re ready to take control away from drugs or alcohol, The Ranch PA is ready for you. Contact us at 717.969.9126 to learn more about the options we provide.
