4 Ways to End Drug Addiction

1. Join Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous is the main support group used by people with any kind of drug addiction. Borrowing on the principals established by Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous uses group dynamics, sharing, accountability and reliance on a higher power in order to help people break their addictions. The first step in the group's recovery process is for the addict to admit he has a problem. No further work can be done until this critical step is accomplished. This practice also weeds out those who are there at the urging of concerned friends from those who really want to be there. The addict then discusses her own problem and listens to the problems of others, and everyone in the group can offer counsel to everyone else. Accountability to the group and to loved ones is discussed, and reliance on a higher power is encouraged.

2. Go to Rehab

Rehab isn't just for strung-out celebrities. Anyone who has a drug addiction can go to rehab to end it. Rehab is an intensive, in-patient stay in a facility dedicated to getting people off drugs. Medical and mental health professionals are on staff to assist addicts through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms and to help them recognize the roots of their addictions. Once the roots are revealed, the addict has the necessary tools to metaphorically cut those roots and start anew. Mental health professionals provide assistance in building up an addict's psyche so that a relapse is less likely to occur. Many health insurance policies now pay for rehab, and there are scholarships and other financial resources available for those without such policies.

3. Seek Medical Help

With some drugs, particularly opiates, stopping suddenly can be harmful to your body. Your doctor or the staff at a clinic can help you gradually decrease your usage so that you can wean yourself off the drug safely. In some cases, there are substitutes, such as methadone, that can be prescribed to help you make the transition.

4. Develop Healthy Habits to Replace the Addiction

Many people who have broken an addiction find that they need something to fill up the spot in their lives that the addiction left. Replacing the addiction with something healthy gives the addict a focus and reduces the risk of a relapse. Activities such as exercise, travel or a favored hobby are healthy and can keep a former addict on track.