Tips for Coping Up during the Initial Phase of Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Prescription drug addiction treatments often follow the same course of treatment as other types of addictions. Most starts with a 7-to-10-day detox period, which is aimed at allowing the body gets rid of toxins within. This is then followed by 3-12 weeks of psychotherapeutic treatments, which are meant to help the patients understand the root cause of their addictions. The final phase entails aftercare services that are offered on a follow-up basis to avert risks of relapse.
Like any other type of addiction treatment, the initial phase of prescription drug addiction treatment is critical but very challenging. As a new recovering addict, you will be tasked with rebuilding your life from the ground. Accordingly, you will be facing a lot of hurdles, including previously ignored responsibilities, fears, and emotions. To avoid relapse, there are strategies that you can use to cope up and succeed from the start.
- Set Goals
Although taking it one day at a time is a good approach in the initial phase of the treatment, it is critical to set goals—both in the sort and long term. Setting goals help you create an undercurrent of hope. While staying sober for a month, 2 months, or 6 month is a worthwhile goal, it is important to think outside the sobriety debate and set a long term goal of 5 to 10 years down the line.
Jot down any personal goals that come to your mind irrespective of how vague it is. You can always transform the ideas into more realistic goals. Alternatively, set goals for things that you have always wanted to do but was limited by your addiction behavior.
2. Practice self-care
Like everything else, self-care often takes the back seat during active addiction. These range from taking care of your basic health as well as your spiritual and emotional needs. In the early phase of your prescription drug addiction treatment, reclaim taking care of yourself. One of the best places to start is developing healthy eating and resting patterns. Remember that being tired and hungry are potential relapse triggers. You can begin with eating three meals a day and having 8-9 hours of sleep.
Additionally, take care of body by participating in regular exercises and seeking the help of a physician to help you take care of any chronic condition that addiction has caused. Leverage the power of hot baths, meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques to deal with stress. Finally, talk to friends and counsellors to help you deal with troubling emotions that often accompany prescription drug addiction.
3. Practice Gratitude
Each day in prescription drug addiction treatment and recovery deserves gratitude. Practice giving thanks to success you have achieved, challenges you’ve faced, and the support that you have been given. Remember that no matter how stressful your day is, there is always something to be grateful for. Studies also indicate that people who practice gratitude tends to be happier, have lower blood pressure, and experience more positive emotions.
Implementing these strategies to help you cope during the initial phase of your prescription drug addiction treatment will create a solid foundation for your recovery process. Although you are the only one who can determine what works best for your situation, these strategies have helped many people get through the initial phases of prescription drug addiction treatment—and beyond. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone! Seek help from prescription drug addiction treatment specialists to get you back on track towards a fulfilling life.
