Narconon Arrowhead is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility that has provided a holistic rehabilitation treatment program to individuals for over twenty years. In addition to successfully rehabilitating individuals who have drug and alcohol abuse problems, Narconon Arrowhead is also involved in drug education programs and activities that help individuals learn the dangerous effects of drug use and thereafter make an informed decision to abstain from drug use. To this end, Narconon Arrowhead is sharing ten valuable tips to help individuals remain sober in 2014.
Drug Use and Abuse
Drug use can occur when an individual seeks to block out unwanted emotional or psychological sensations. Continued drug use can cause all sensations to be dulled, with the exception of intense physical and mental cravings for more drugs. The chemicals in drugs usually affect the brain and nervous system, replacing or bypassing basic body functions. Over time, the brain and body can come to depend on these chemicals, which is the basic cause of drug addiction.
An individual who abuses drugs often has physical and mental health problems, an inability to perform normal functions at work and at home, and little or no interest in life. While Narconon Arrowhead can and has helped individuals overcome their drug addictions and achieve lasting sobriety, they believe that preventing drug abuse in the first place is the most successful way to maintain sobriety in the community and the world. Here are Narconon Arrowhead’s ten tips for staying sober in the New Year:
1. Remove drugs and alcohol from the home
In the same way that a visible candy jar can tease and torment a child who is not allowed to have candy, drugs and alcohol in the home of an individual who desires to achieve and maintain sobriety can tease and torment them. Removing drugs and alcohol from one’s home prevents one from turning to their use in a moment of weakness.
2. Choose to put down drugs and alcohol
Even though addiction can be tough to fight – both mentally and physically – successfully winning the battle always begins with the choice to abstain from drug use. If and individual finds himself holding drugs or alcohol, he must choose to put them down.
3. Enroll in rehab
Some rehabilitation facilities are more suited to specific individuals than others. Finding and enrolling in a rehabilitation facility whose program seems to address the issues one is concerned about can greatly assist one in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Rehabilitation facilities with follow-up care and outcome monitoring are usually especially successful.
4. Find a support group
Contrary to what many drug addicts may believe, they are not alone in their struggles against drug abuse. Finding a support group where other addicts discuss their successes and failures can help one build courage and confidence in their ability to fight for sobriety.
5. Reach out to family
Family members care about how their loved one is doing in life. In the journey toward sobriety, the support and encouragement of family members can be very helpful and important.
6. Be patient
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, successful drug rehabilitation treatment lasts a minimum of ninety days. For some individuals, full rehabilitation may last six months or longer. It is important to be patient and persist on the path to sobriety.
7. Change normal life patterns
Whatever one’s current life patterns are, they may be contributing to drug abuse. An individual who comes home from work only to sit on the couch in front of the television for the next six hours and binge-drink or snort cocaine needs to change this pattern. It may be simple things like unplugging the television and picking up a book, choosing to cook dinner instead of grabbing take-out on the way home, and so forth that changes the patterns that led to or encouraged a continuation of drug use.
8. Establish and maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help the individual feel the normal, desirable sensations of life. This is especially important when one is working towards sobriety as it can re-establish one’s connection with and desire to interact with their present environment.
9. Find enjoyable, drug-free activities
Many of the enjoyable parts of life include participating in various activities. Whether one prefers sailing, jogging, yoga, basketball or other activities, these activities can help draw attention outward to the world around them and make the day-to-day problems of life seem less draining and upsetting.
10. Educate oneself in the dangers of drug use
Many individuals grow up hearing that drugs are bad, but never find out why this is true. This void can be filled with false information from others who explain that drug use is safe and fun. Educating oneself on the truth about drugs and their dangers allows one to make an informed decision based on facts.
A Sober 2014
The dawning of a new year is the perfect time for individuals to make resolutions and choices that can better the quality or condition of their life. For individuals who are abusing drugs and alcohol, resolving to achieve sobriety in a new year is a worthwhile resolution that must be followed with precise actions. The above-mentioned tips will allow individuals to pursue sobriety and meet with success. For more information about Narconon Arrowhead, visit www.narcononarrowhead.org.