Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSteps to TakeTreatment OptionsRelapseHow to Help Someone Else

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Steps to Take

Treatment Options

Relapse

How to Help Someone Else

Using drugs changes a person’s brain structure and functioning, particularly in areas involved in reward, stress, and self-control.These alterations make it harder for people to stop using substances even when they want to, which can lead to drug addiction.It is possible to overcome drug addiction, but it takes commitment and time. Treatments include detox programs, counseling, and medication. The best options will depend on the severity of a person’s addiction and the substances they use.Substance Use HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.3 Steps to Overcome AddictionDrug addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain disease. It happens when someone continues using a drug despite harmful consequences to their daily functioning, relationships, and/or health.The following strategies are essential for recovery:Commit to change:At the onset, this means cutting down, moderating, or quitting the addictive behavior. Afterward, committing to change can look like working with a professional in identifying specific goals, coming up with a specific plan to create change, following through with that plan, and revising your goals as necessary.Get support:Family and friends who are supportive of a person’s recovery can help someone change because they can reinforce new behaviors and provide positive incentives to continue with treatment.Eliminate triggers:Triggers are any person, place, or thing that sparks the craving for using a substance. Common triggers include places a person has done drugs, friends they’ve used with, and anything else that brings up memories of drug use.How to Deal With CravingsThere are many approaches to resisting cravings, but the SMART recovery programs suggest the DEADS method:Delay use because urges disappear over time.Escape triggering situations.Accept that these feelings are normal and will pass.Dispute your irrational “need” for the drug.Substitute or find new ways of coping instead of using.Verywell / Ellen LindnerTreatment OptionsThe severity of an addiction—and the drug or drugs being used—will inform a person’s treatment plan. Most programs include:Detoxification:Drug and alcohol detoxification (“detox”) is a crucial step in recovery. It prepares a person for treatment in a safe, controlled environment wherewithdrawal symptoms(and any physical or mental health complications) can be managed. Detox may occur in a hospital setting or as a first step in an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation process.Counseling:Cognitive behavioral therapyhelps a person learn to recognize the thinking, behaviors, and patterns that led to their SUD and establish healthier ways to cope.Counseling may also involve family members to develop a deeper understanding of addiction and improve overall family functioning.Support groups:These can be part of in-patient programs or available in a person’s community. Well-knownsupport groupsinclude Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training).Medication:Medication can help control drug cravings, relieve symptoms of withdrawal, and prevent relapses.Foralcohol use disorder, Campral (acamprosate), disulfiram, ReVia, and Vivitrol (naltrexone) may be used.Drugs used to treat opioid use disorder include Dolophine and Methados (methadone), buprenorphine, ReVia and Vivitrol (naltrexone), and Lucemyra (lofexidine).Ideally, treatment will also address any other medical, psychiatric, and social problems. People with substance use disorders should always be evaluated for mental health issues such asdepression and anxiety(known as dual diagnosis).Learn to Manage StressStress is a known trigger for drug use.Managing stressin healthy ways means finding new ways of coping that don’t involve drugs. To cope with stress, try to:Focus on taking care of yourself (eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising).Concentrate on one challenge at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.Step away from triggering scenarios.Learn to recognize and communicate your emotions.Time Frame and RelapseOvercoming drug addiction is a complex process that can occur at different paces. There are 30-, 60-, and 90-day treatment programs, but because addiction can’t be cured, follow-up support is crucial.It’s estimated that between 40%–60% of people who get treatment for asubstance use disorder relapse.The most effective way to avoid or cope with relapse is to stay in a treatment plan. Longer treatment time is associated with more positive outcomes.How to Help Someone ElseSymptoms and behaviors of drug addiction include:ConfusionAnger when confronted about substance useUsing substance even when aloneMissing school or work, or a drop in grades or work performanceFeeling unable to stop or reduce intake of the substanceSkipping activities to use the substance, hiding substance useViolent behaviorSupport from friends and family can help someone overcome drug addiction. While you can’t stop a person’s addiction, you can tell them you’re concerned, help them find resources and treatment options, and reinforce their goals.SummaryDrug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic condition. It affects a person’s brain, making them unable to control their use of a substance.Overcoming addiction requires committing to change, seeking support, and eliminating triggers. The main treatments for substance use disorder are detox, counseling, and medication.

Using drugs changes a person’s brain structure and functioning, particularly in areas involved in reward, stress, and self-control.These alterations make it harder for people to stop using substances even when they want to, which can lead to drug addiction.

It is possible to overcome drug addiction, but it takes commitment and time. Treatments include detox programs, counseling, and medication. The best options will depend on the severity of a person’s addiction and the substances they use.

Substance Use HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Substance Use Helpline

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

3 Steps to Overcome Addiction

Drug addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain disease. It happens when someone continues using a drug despite harmful consequences to their daily functioning, relationships, and/or health.

The following strategies are essential for recovery:

How to Deal With CravingsThere are many approaches to resisting cravings, but the SMART recovery programs suggest the DEADS method:Delay use because urges disappear over time.Escape triggering situations.Accept that these feelings are normal and will pass.Dispute your irrational “need” for the drug.Substitute or find new ways of coping instead of using.

How to Deal With Cravings

There are many approaches to resisting cravings, but the SMART recovery programs suggest the DEADS method:Delay use because urges disappear over time.Escape triggering situations.Accept that these feelings are normal and will pass.Dispute your irrational “need” for the drug.Substitute or find new ways of coping instead of using.

There are many approaches to resisting cravings, but the SMART recovery programs suggest the DEADS method:

Verywell / Ellen Lindner

An illustration with potential treatment options for drug addiction

The severity of an addiction—and the drug or drugs being used—will inform a person’s treatment plan. Most programs include:

Ideally, treatment will also address any other medical, psychiatric, and social problems. People with substance use disorders should always be evaluated for mental health issues such asdepression and anxiety(known as dual diagnosis).

Learn to Manage StressStress is a known trigger for drug use.Managing stressin healthy ways means finding new ways of coping that don’t involve drugs. To cope with stress, try to:Focus on taking care of yourself (eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising).Concentrate on one challenge at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.Step away from triggering scenarios.Learn to recognize and communicate your emotions.

Learn to Manage Stress

Stress is a known trigger for drug use.Managing stressin healthy ways means finding new ways of coping that don’t involve drugs. To cope with stress, try to:Focus on taking care of yourself (eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising).Concentrate on one challenge at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.Step away from triggering scenarios.Learn to recognize and communicate your emotions.

Stress is a known trigger for drug use.Managing stressin healthy ways means finding new ways of coping that don’t involve drugs. To cope with stress, try to:

Time Frame and Relapse

Overcoming drug addiction is a complex process that can occur at different paces. There are 30-, 60-, and 90-day treatment programs, but because addiction can’t be cured, follow-up support is crucial.

It’s estimated that between 40%–60% of people who get treatment for asubstance use disorder relapse.The most effective way to avoid or cope with relapse is to stay in a treatment plan. Longer treatment time is associated with more positive outcomes.

Symptoms and behaviors of drug addiction include:

Support from friends and family can help someone overcome drug addiction. While you can’t stop a person’s addiction, you can tell them you’re concerned, help them find resources and treatment options, and reinforce their goals.

Summary

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic condition. It affects a person’s brain, making them unable to control their use of a substance.

Overcoming addiction requires committing to change, seeking support, and eliminating triggers. The main treatments for substance use disorder are detox, counseling, and medication.

16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.What is addiction?.MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US).Drug Use and Addiction.Lassiter PS, Culbreth JR.Theory and Practice of Addiction Counseling. SAGE Publications; 2017.SAMHSA.Enhancing motivation for change in substance use disorder treatment.Mental Health America.How can I stop using drugs?.SMART Recovery.5 ways to deal with urges and cravings.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide; Cognitive behavioral therapy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of effective treatment.Winslow BT, Onysko M, Hebert M.Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Mar 15;93(6):457-65. PMID: 26977830.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work?1 Jun. 2018.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for addiction.NIDA and Scholastic.Stress and drug abuse.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment and recovery.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Substance use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Helping a Loved One Dealing With Mental and/or Substance Abuse Disorders.

16 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.What is addiction?.MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US).Drug Use and Addiction.Lassiter PS, Culbreth JR.Theory and Practice of Addiction Counseling. SAGE Publications; 2017.SAMHSA.Enhancing motivation for change in substance use disorder treatment.Mental Health America.How can I stop using drugs?.SMART Recovery.5 ways to deal with urges and cravings.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide; Cognitive behavioral therapy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of effective treatment.Winslow BT, Onysko M, Hebert M.Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Mar 15;93(6):457-65. PMID: 26977830.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work?1 Jun. 2018.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for addiction.NIDA and Scholastic.Stress and drug abuse.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment and recovery.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Substance use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Helping a Loved One Dealing With Mental and/or Substance Abuse Disorders.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychological Association.What is addiction?.MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US).Drug Use and Addiction.Lassiter PS, Culbreth JR.Theory and Practice of Addiction Counseling. SAGE Publications; 2017.SAMHSA.Enhancing motivation for change in substance use disorder treatment.Mental Health America.How can I stop using drugs?.SMART Recovery.5 ways to deal with urges and cravings.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide; Cognitive behavioral therapy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of effective treatment.Winslow BT, Onysko M, Hebert M.Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Mar 15;93(6):457-65. PMID: 26977830.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work?1 Jun. 2018.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for addiction.NIDA and Scholastic.Stress and drug abuse.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment and recovery.National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Substance use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Helping a Loved One Dealing With Mental and/or Substance Abuse Disorders.

American Psychological Association.What is addiction?.

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US).Drug Use and Addiction.

Lassiter PS, Culbreth JR.Theory and Practice of Addiction Counseling. SAGE Publications; 2017.

SAMHSA.Enhancing motivation for change in substance use disorder treatment.

Mental Health America.How can I stop using drugs?.

SMART Recovery.5 ways to deal with urges and cravings.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide; Cognitive behavioral therapy.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Principles of effective treatment.

Winslow BT, Onysko M, Hebert M.Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Mar 15;93(6):457-65. PMID: 26977830.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work?1 Jun. 2018.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for addiction.

NIDA and Scholastic.Stress and drug abuse.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment and recovery.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?.

National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Substance use disorder.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Helping a Loved One Dealing With Mental and/or Substance Abuse Disorders.

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