Is it really possible to quit an addiction? How to leave drugs alone? Perhaps these questions can be the first of the steps to achieve it. Drug use implies a serious and high risk to mental health, as well as physical health. However, it is frequent that the person who is addicted to a drug-substance is not aware of the problem.

In fact, someone with an addiction may have lost control of their life and not even consider asking for help until the addiction has caused problems of all kinds.

It is possible to stop an addiction on your own, however, you should know some important aspects that can make the initial detoxification process on your own somewhat complex.

How to leave an addiction alone?

The most problematic thing about the detoxification process of a substance or drug is the so-called “withdrawal syndrome”.

The withdrawal syndrome consists of a set of symptoms produced by various physical and mental alterations, which occur as a result of suddenly stopping the consumption of a substance.

The withdrawal syndrome stage is a complex phase full of discomfort and intense symptoms that can also increase the risk of relapse.

One of the changes that occurs during the active use of a substance is that this addiction often affects the frontal cortex of the brain, therefore impulse control and judgment are impaired.

Another important modification is in the brain’s reward system, in which the memory of the sensation of previous rewards is activated, causing more cravings or desires to consume the substance despite the negative consequences.

Withdrawal syndrome is an overwhelming experience. However, a clear and appropriate line of professional intervention can make the recovery process much shorter and more manageable than quitting the addiction on your own.

Steps to leave drugs alone

• To determine whether to quit an addiction alone or even with a professional intervention, it is important to consider the motivation for which this abandonment of consumption is sought.
• There is no doubt that quitting will make you take more control of your life and allow you to achieve the goals and objectives you desire.
• In addition, quitting substance use will improve your quality of life and prevent the development of diseases and health problems associated with drug use.
• However, also motivations such as family intervention status, personal or work ambitions and expectations for the future, among others, can represent an important motivator to maintain your focus on your recovery.

Some of the Drug Intervention strategies that will help you recover

• Set clear goals and be determined to change. It may be a better option to set a goal that you achieve progressively than to try to quit drugs cold turkey on your own. Progressively reduce both the quantity and the number of doses.
• Write down the reasons why you want to stop using and keep them in mind to remember them whenever necessary.
• Change your environment by distancing yourself from people associated with drug use.
• Make it difficult to get the substance, for example, throw away the drugs and avoid carrying cash with you to reduce the risk of buying more.