Break the habit, not yourself: An addiction recovery guide
Addiction is a complex condition that can take a serious physical, emotional and mental toll on individuals and their communities. Around 15% of the South African population is living with drug addiction and around 10% with alcohol addiction.
Understanding the cycle
The cycle of addiction typically follows the following pattern:
• Initial use: Trying the substance for the first time
• Misuse: Using the substance repeatedly for “positive” effects
• Tolerance/dependence: The body becomes dependent on the substance
• Addiction: The individual feels unable to function without the substance
Without proper intervention, the cycle of addiction continues, with devastating effects on the individual and those around them.
Breaking the cycle
The good news is that the cycle can be broken.
Identifying triggers is a critical component of addiction recovery. Triggers may include stress, grief, peer pressure or social settings. Once these have been identified, individuals can work to make the necessary lifestyle changes, including avoiding social settings or individuals, and adopting behaviours that can help manage emotional triggers such as therapy and exercise.
While addiction can feel like a lonely experience, breaking the cycle needn’t be a solitary journey. Individuals will navigate their recovery better with the support of family and friends and alongside therapists, doctors and support groups, who will help them develop coping mechanisms to manage the symptoms that come with the journey.
Recovery takes time and requires both commitment and patience. But with determination, support and the right resources, it’s possible to live a healthy and addiction-free life.
References:
Helpful Resources and Support Groups:
Understanding the cycle
The cycle of addiction typically follows the following pattern:
• Initial use: Trying the substance for the first time
• Misuse: Using the substance repeatedly for “positive” effects
• Tolerance/dependence: The body becomes dependent on the substance
• Addiction: The individual feels unable to function without the substance
Without proper intervention, the cycle of addiction continues, with devastating effects on the individual and those around them.
Breaking the cycle
The good news is that the cycle can be broken.
Identifying triggers is a critical component of addiction recovery. Triggers may include stress, grief, peer pressure or social settings. Once these have been identified, individuals can work to make the necessary lifestyle changes, including avoiding social settings or individuals, and adopting behaviours that can help manage emotional triggers such as therapy and exercise.
While addiction can feel like a lonely experience, breaking the cycle needn’t be a solitary journey. Individuals will navigate their recovery better with the support of family and friends and alongside therapists, doctors and support groups, who will help them develop coping mechanisms to manage the symptoms that come with the journey.
Recovery takes time and requires both commitment and patience. But with determination, support and the right resources, it’s possible to live a healthy and addiction-free life.
References:
- https://www.wits.ac.za-ccdu/stepping-stones-to-wellness-substance-abuse
- https://ascpjournal.biomedcentral.com-articles-10.1186-s13722-022-00289-3
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org-the-addiction-cycle
- https://www.gatewayfoundation.org-blog-triggers-in-addiction-recovery
Helpful Resources and Support Groups: