How To Overcome Addiction

May 1, 2024

Explore powerful strategies on how to overcome addiction, building support, and restoring relationships.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This section provides an overview of addiction and discusses its impact on society.

Addiction Overview

Addiction is a chronic and often relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It is a brain disease, as drugs change the brain's structure and how it functions. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

Addictions can come in many forms, including but not limited to, alcohol use disorder, opioid addiction, benzodiazepine misuse, and methamphetamine addiction. For instance, alcohol use disorder affects about 17 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States. The opioid crisis in the United States has caused thousands of deaths across the country, leading many individuals to turn to heroin, fentanyl, or other potent substances.

Despite the severity of the problem, treatment remains largely inaccessible. Only 10.4 percent of individuals with a substance use disorder receive treatment, and only about a third of those individuals receives treatment that meets minimal standards of care. (NCBI Bookshelf)

Impact of Addiction on Society

The impact of addiction on society is profound and far-reaching. In 2020, the SAMHSA Helpline received 833,598 calls, a 27% increase from 2019 when they received 656,953 calls for the year. This upward trend indicates the mounting challenges society faces in dealing with addiction.

In financial terms, substance misuse and substance use disorders are estimated to cost society $442 billion each year in health care costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs [3].

The societal impact of addiction also reverberates through families and relationships. Addiction can cause strained relationships with parents and other relatives [4]. Children raised in households where a parent abuses drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop substance use disorders in their adulthood, which highlights the impact of addiction on generational trauma and the cycle of substance abuse within families [4].

In understanding how to overcome addiction, it's essential to comprehend the scope of addiction and its societal impact. The next sections will delve into the detailed statistics and costs of addiction, the variety of substance use disorders, treatment options, effects on relationships, and strategies to build a support system.

Statistics and Costs of Addiction

Grasping the severity of addiction issues is critical when discussing strategies on how to overcome addiction. This section offers an in-depth look at the statistics surrounding addiction and the economic impact it has on society.

Addiction Statistics

In 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline received 833,598 calls, indicating a 27% increase from 2019 when they received 656,953 calls for the year [2]. This surge in calls highlights the escalating problem of substance misuse and addiction.

The types of addiction vary, with each having a significant impact on the lives of individuals and society at large:

Alcohol use disorder affects approximately 17 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States.
Opioid addiction has led to thousands of deaths across the country, causing many individuals to turn to substances like heroin and fentanyl [1].
In 2013, benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, or Valium were involved in 30% of overdose deaths, either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Methamphetamines, a potent and illegal stimulant in the US, can lead to severe side effects and high addiction rates.

Despite these alarming numbers, only 10.4 percent of individuals with a substance use disorder receive treatment, and only about a third of those individuals receive treatment that meets minimal standards of care [3].

Economic Impact of Addiction

The economic costs of addiction are staggering. Substance misuse and substance use disorders are estimated to cost society $442 billion each year in health care costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs.

These costs underscore the importance of effective prevention and treatment strategies for addiction. By addressing the problem of addiction, society can potentially save billions of dollars each year, not to mention the countless lives that could be improved or saved.

The statistics and economic impact of addiction underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. By understanding the scope of the problem, individuals, families, and communities can better equip themselves with the knowledge and resources needed to combat addiction effectively.

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are a significant issue affecting millions of people worldwide. These disorders come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and complications. This section will explore four common types of substance use disorders: Alcohol Use Disorder, Opioid Addiction, Benzodiazepine Misuse, and Methamphetamine Addiction.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a prevalent substance use disorder. It affects about 17 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States American Addiction Centers. AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and other alcohol-related problems.

Opioid Addiction

The opioid crisis has been a significant concern in the United States, causing thousands of deaths across the country. Opioid addiction often begins with the misuse of prescribed opioid medications, leading many individuals to turn to heroin, fentanyl, or other potent substances when their prescriptions run out. The dependence on opioids can develop quickly, leading to severe health risks, including overdose and death.

Benzodiazepine Misuse

Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, or Valium, are often prescribed for their sedative effects. However, misuse of these medications can lead to addiction. In 2013, 30% of overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Long-term use can result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the medication is discontinued.

Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamines are a potent and illegal stimulant in the US, leading to severe side effects and high addiction rates. Signs of meth addiction include a process known as "tweaking," where the individual ingests a large amount of meth and stays awake for 3-15 days, leading to brain damage. Methamphetamine use can lead to severe physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and irreversible cognitive damage.

Understanding these substance use disorders is essential when considering how to overcome addiction. Tackling addiction requires a comprehensive approach, including awareness, prevention, intervention, and treatment. With professional help and support, it is possible to recover from these disorders and lead a healthier and productive life.

Treatment Options for Addiction

When it comes to overcoming addiction, several treatment options are available. However, the availability of these treatments, their approaches, and the role of medications in the recovery process are all critical factors to consider.

Treatment Availability

Despite the prevalence of substance use disorders, access to treatment remains limited. According to the NCBI Bookshelf, only 10.4 percent of individuals with a substance use disorder receive treatment, and only about a third of those individuals receive treatment that meets minimal standards of care.

Embedding prevention, treatment, and recovery services into the larger health care system could potentially improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and yield improved outcomes for countless Americans. Moreover, prevention and treatment programs for employees with substance use disorders have proven to be cost-effective in enhancing worker productivity.

Therapeutic Approaches

There are different types of therapies available to effectively treat addiction, including group and individual therapy sessions. These therapies focus on teaching skills needed for recovery and how to navigate situations without resorting to drugs or alcohol.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills have been found to have a positive lasting impact on substance misuse patients. The effectiveness of these behavioral therapies, however, depends on several factors, such as the individuals receiving treatment, their level of treatment engagement, the therapist, the treatment team, and the type of therapy provided.

Role of Medications

Combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapies plays an important role in many addiction treatment protocols. Various medications may be used to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other substances.

These medications can help stabilize individuals during the detoxification process, mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal, and reduce the risk of relapse. However, medications should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and other forms of support.

In summary, while the journey to overcome addiction is challenging, there are numerous treatment options available. It's crucial for individuals seeking help to explore these options, understand their unique needs, and find a treatment approach that best fits their situation. This could potentially increase their chances of achieving long-term recovery and leading healthier, substance-free lives.

Effects of Addiction on Relationships

Understanding the impact of addiction on relationships is a crucial part of understanding the holistic effect of substance use disorders. The toll addiction takes on family dynamics and interpersonal relationships can be significant, adding another layer to the challenges faced in the journey towards recovery.

Family Dynamics

Addiction can profoundly affect family dynamics, leading to strained relationships and disrupting routines, creating a sense of chaos and instability [5]. Family members may experience feelings of guilt, anger, and resentment. In some cases, troubled teenagers may use drugs and alcohol as an escape, potentially exposing them to risks of exploitation.

Further, families may experience a cycle of generational trauma and substance abuse, with children raised in households where a parent abuses substances more likely to develop substance use disorders in adulthood [4]. Family members may also experience emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness, and may face financial and legal challenges as a result of their loved one's addiction [5].

Interpersonal Strain

The strain addiction places on relationships extends beyond the immediate family. Trust between family members and friends can be lost as the individual struggling with addiction may exhibit secretive behavior or aggression, contributing to breakdowns in communication and relationships. This can result in feelings of isolation and abandonment for both the individual with addiction and their family members.

Changes in behavior due to substance abuse, such as becoming unrecognizable, experiencing rapid weight loss, or displaying angry or violent tendencies, strain relationships and cause emotional distress for family and friends [4].

Addiction can also create a cycle of codependency within relationships, where family members enable the addictive behavior and struggle to set healthy boundaries. This can perpetuate the addiction and hinder the recovery process for both the individual with addiction and their loved ones.

The strain caused by addiction can lead to a breakdown in communication and emotional connection within relationships, making it difficult for family members to provide the necessary support and understanding. This can further isolate the individual with addiction and hinder their recovery journey [7].

In light of these challenges, it is important to recognize the necessity of a strong support system and professional help in guiding an individual on how to overcome addiction.

Building a Support System

The journey to overcome addiction is a challenging one that can be significantly eased by the presence of a strong and supportive network. This section explores the importance of building a support system, the available resources, and the strategies that can be adopted to support recovery.

Importance of Support

Developing a strong support system is crucial for long-term recovery from addiction. By seeking out positive and supportive individuals, attending support group meetings, and continuing to build and maintain positive relationships throughout their recovery journey, individuals can stay on track and achieve long-term sobriety.

Recovery often requires courage, willingness, and an innate desire to change. It involves pushing through boundaries, breaking down barriers, and recognizing that adventure, fun, and zest for life starts in recovery — not the other way around.

Support Resources

There are numerous resources available to those seeking to build a strong support network. Support groups, recovery programs, and therapy sessions provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences, gain insights from others who have been through similar struggles, and receive professional guidance on their journey towards sobriety.

Emotional support animals can also play a crucial role in providing emotional support during the recovery journey. Studies have shown that the benefits of having an emotional support animal include enhancing calm and relaxation, reducing stress, pain, anxiety, and depression, and normalizing heart rate and blood pressure.

Recovery Strategies

To successfully overcome addiction, it's important to adopt effective recovery strategies. Tracy Dunn, a National Interventionist and Addiction Coach, suggests that maintaining sobriety requires accountability and compassion. She helps clients with the tools needed to break the cycle of addiction and maintain sobriety [8].

Creative expression is another powerful tool in the recovery journey. William Nephew, a program administrator for Rock to Recovery, emphasizes the strength of creative expression as an effective coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions in early sobriety. He believes in the healing power of music and utilizes his experience as a singer/songwriter and his struggles with addiction to support individuals in recovery [8].

Building a strong support system and embracing effective recovery strategies are key steps in the journey to overcome addiction. By leveraging these resources and tools, individuals can navigate the road to recovery with greater confidence and resilience.