Detox off Drugs

 You can’t just sit back and figure that your addiction will somehow magically disappear. It doesn’t work that way, as much as we’d like it. To get started in your recovery, you need to take specific actions. Do them in small steps, so that it doesn’t seem overwhelming.

When you are readyto seek out treatment for your addiction contact an inpatient detox facility in order to cleanse your body of whatever drugs you have been using. After you complete the detox process and are back at home or in a sober living facility start  going to the 12-step websites pertinent to your addiction. There are support groups for alcoholism (Alcoholics Anonymous), drugs, (Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Methamphetamine Anonymous), compulsive gambling (Gamblers Anonymous), compulsive sexual behavior (Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous), food addictions (Overeaters Anonymous), overspending (Debtors Anonymous).

If you’re not yet ready to physically go to a meeting, don’t worry. Use this time to go through the websites and gather as much information as you can. You need to learn about your addiction, the signs of it, causes, how to avoid relapse, where you can get help or treatment. Peruse the FAQ sections, questions to ask yourself, and take the self-assessment for addiction (most 12-step sites have these). You can download pamphlets and self-help materials. There are links to other helpful sites and resources that may prove useful to you.

Once you’ve amassed sufficient information and feel a comfort level with the organization, look up where in-person meetings are held in your area. You can also begin with an online meeting or telephone meeting, if those are offered by the particular 12-step group (again, most have them).

You may still have a reluctance to attend a 12-step group. That is perfectly understandable. But you do need to take further action to jump-start your recovery. Participation in 12-step groups is free and is often a very viable first step for those seeking to overcome their addiction. But it isn’t the only way.