Alcohol & Drug withdrawal can be one of the most difficult things for someone who is dependent on these substances. Yet if you are a daily user and have a difficult time stopping it may be time for you to think about it and take some action. Alcohol & Drug use is a killer in more ways than one. It destroys your body and brain; it can cause depression, weight-gain, violence, as well as other behavior problems; it can destroy relationships and can tear families apart. If you are ready to stop drinking alcohol or using drugs and need some assistance this article will help. I have put together 12 simple & effective steps that can help stop your addiction and change your life! Please read on. Here are 12 important steps we can take to stop our addiction - 1. Avoid Stress- Stress causes some of us to drink or use drugs. We want to relax and escape. Unfortunately this does not work as a long-term solution as it causes much more damage than we realize. Avoid stressful situation when withdrawing. Keep calm and centered. 2. Take a break from work when withdrawing (14-30 days) - Essential! Normal initial "detox" takes about 30 days. The first 14 days are essential for withdrawal. Take a vacation or sick leave or work part-time. Cut down on any triggers that may hurt you. It's your life, protect yourself. 3. Find Support- Find friends, family and/or a comfortable support group. You need to be open with these folks and ask for their support. You need to change friends and settings that do not support your sobriety. 4. Do a Body Cleanse & Detox- You need to rid yourself of all those toxins in your body. This will also give you the strength and energy to stay sober. Cleanse for 30 days if possible. 5. Take Vitamins & Supplements - Your body & brain needs help! It is essential to have those extra vitamins and minerals in your body for your recovery. Plus it helps with cravings. 6. Eat Healthy Foods - Healthy eating is another key to recovery. You've got to have proper nutrition to stay sober and repair your damaged body. 7. Drink Liquids - Drink lots of water and herbal tea. Drink 6-8 glasses a day. Avoid high sugar drinks. Hydrate yourself. This helps with cravings and withdrawal. It also helps your body & brain detox and get healthy. 8. Get Sleep - Get regular sleep. This has to do with stress and resting the body & mind. You are recovering from an illness. The more rested you are the better you will heal. 9. Have a Spiritual/Mental Practice - Meditate, pray, reflect, utilize positive affirmations. Do something to stimulate your belief system. Taking good care of the mind, emotions and spirit are important for health and recovery. 10. Breathe - Focus on the present and get centered by breathing in and out, focusing on nothing else. Air is your life force, concentrate on calming down and focus on relaxing as you take deep breaths for several minutes. Use this technique to reduce stress and gain needed strength. 11. Don't get Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (HALT) - This is an important reminder to be conscious of these powerful triggers. Be aware of these four triggers and take steps to reduce their negative effects. 12. Ride out the Cravings - Craving alcohol or drugs doesn't last forever. It works like a bell curve...it gets real intense then decreases with time. For most people the intense craving can last about 10-14 days. Remember it doesn't last forever. Be strong, find support. Utilize the 11 steps above and you will succeed!
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