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Why Overcoming Addiction On Your Own Is Possible

March 8, 2020 Rhonda Kelloway, LCSW, SEP

Guest blog post by Jean M. Tschampa, PharmD, LCPC, CADC, C-IAYT, BCC

I want to begin with something valuable: overcoming addiction is not impossible. Hard yes, but impossible, no. And overcoming addiction on your own is possible; however, there are some commonalities among those who have succeeded. Whatever road to recovery you choose, you have to make a choice and put in the work to move past addiction into sobriety. Here’s what you need to know.

Addiction is Not Incurable

Robert Dupont, former director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said “Addiction is not self-curing. Left alone addiction only gets worse, leading to total degradation, to prison, and ultimately to death.”

smoking-overcoming addiction on your ownHowever, this isn’t necessarily the case. More people quit addictions than maintain them. Current research indicates that addiction is intractable due to the automatic patterns of behavior triggered by neurologic changes. But quitting is not impossible. Hard and may take several tries, yes. Impossible, no.

Success doesn’t come from wishing and wanting, but finally realizing that you need to change because the addiction is interfering too much with something you value. Addiction becomes a competing action to something you no longer wish to risk or destroy. This desire sparks momentum. And with that momentum comes the confidence to take first steps and keep going no matter what. So, how do you get started?

Related Reading: 9 Strategies for Overcoming Fear in Addiction Recovery

Are Treatment Centers and 12-Step Programs the Only Way?

Common knowledge suggests the only way to recover from addiction, any addiction, is some combination of seeing an addiction counselor, going to a treatment center, joining a 12-Step program, and/or taking medication to reduce cravings. However, some people overcome addiction without such help.

The results from the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey suggest that formal treatment is not a cure-all for addiction and that it isn’t even necessary. Of those who responded to the survey, three-quarters recovered without going to treatment centers. Maybe the nonconfrontational approaches that allow self-chosen change allow addicts to adapt and be successful in overcoming addiction on their own.

Natural Remission in Addiction

Typical hallmarks of those who experience natural remission in addiction:

  • They want it bad enough that they are willing to face the challenge and adapt to each success and failure along the way. Some challenges along the way include coping with withdrawal symptoms, avoiding and coping with relapse, controlling behaviors, avoiding replacement addiction, and navigating changes in your relationship with friends and family.runner_stay active
  • Whether on their own or with support, they succeed with an approach that offers positive reinforcement, rather than degradation or humiliation at lapses.
  • They find a new hobby, challenge, or healthy relationship to help fill the emptiness or void left by the addiction. Having a purpose beyond addiction can help provide meaning in your life.
  • They also begin exercising and becoming more active. An active lifestyle is vital to health because it serves as a natural antidepressant and relieves stress. Also, exercise releases endorphins, which trigger your brain’s natural reward pathway, promoting a sense of well-being.

Some, or better yet, all of these lead to reinvestment in yourself, a confidence boost, and engagement in a new community. A special note on hobbies and finding your tribe: choices should not involve the object of addiction or reminders of your addiction if you genuinely want to recover.

As you work towards recovery, there will be inevitable social, environmental, or emotional situations that remind you of your drug or alcohol use. These triggers may create a craving that leads to relapse. Learning to cope with these triggers successfully is part of the recovery journey. Learn more about triggers, types of relapses, and how to work through them with this fantastic article from DrugRehab.com.

Related Reading: Why is Addiction Considered a Disease?

Working with a Mental Health Addictions Counselor

Using these tips won’t mean you will quit without problems. Addiction is hard to overcome, and statistically you are likely to struggle and “fail” a few times. But failure means lessons learned, and with each recovery attempt, you are more likely to succeed. people-drinking-addiction

However, the more severe and complicated your addiction, the harder it is to overcome on your own because of other psychological components that made your addiction complicated. These can include depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

The symptoms of mental health issues and addiction can make it difficult to manage life’s challenges. In part this is because each co-occurring disorder negatively affects the other(s). Substance abuse and mental health issues worsen when ignored. And if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, other mental health issues, it can feed your addiction.

Related Reading: Feeling Unfulfilled? 12 Steps Recovery Tools Can Help

This is when it’s best not to overcome addiction on your own. Working with a drug addiction counselor will improve your chances of success, whether you have co-occurring disorders or want to quit on your own.addictions counselor

It’s essential to realize long-term recovery isn’t a destination achieved where you can finally be care-free. Recovery is an ongoing process of successfully facing and coping with what life throws at you. This isn’t unique to recovering people – every human being on this planet experiences the slings and arrows of every day life. Successful recovery takes continuing commitment, especially during times of stress.

If you beginning your journey are towards recovery or if you are struggling to stay sober, know that reaching out for help can make the difference in not engaging with your addiction. At Life Care Wellness, we have addiction counselors who can help support you through the challenging times. Let us keep you aligned with your goals. Call us at (630) 423-5935 to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors in Glen Ellyn, Jefferson Park, or Sycamore, Illinois.

Jean Tschampa, PharmD, LCPC, CADC, C-IAYT, BCC
Jean Tschampa is DUI and Substance Use consultant at Life Care Wellness, a group psychotherapy practice in Glen Ellyn and Chicago (Jefferson Park neighborhood), Illinois. She specializes in wellness, life transition, anxiety, and addiction treatment, and is a Board Certified Coach, as well as professional counselor.  As a registered pharmacist, Jean can also provide medication therapy management for those experiencing issues with medication.

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Life Care Wellness | 800 Roosevelt Rd, Building C, Suite 206, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Serving West Chicagoland including Winfield, Wheaton, Lisle, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove and Elmhurst.

Life Care Wellness | 5408 N. Long Avenue, Chicago, Illinios
Serving Jefferson Park, Lincolnwood, Edgebrook, North Park, Albany Park, Harwood Heights, Norwood Park and the near North suburbs including Park Ridge, Niles, Skokie and Evanston.

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Serving DeKalb and Northern Illinois University area along with Cortland, Genoa, Maple Park, Kingston, Burlington, Hampshire, Malta, Kirkland, and Elburn.

Our Glen Ellyn Office Has Moved!

To serve you better with even more space, we have moved to a new building just a few blocks away. Our new Glen Ellyn location in the Glen Hill North office park is:

800 Roosevelt, Bldg C, Suite 206

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

 

COVID Safety Update

We are happy to announce, on June 1, 2020 we re-opened all Life Care Wellness facilities with added safety precautions to ensure your health and safety. We also continue to provide telehealth opportunities for those who prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home.

Our Specialties

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Life Care Wellness
800 Roosevelt, Bldg C, Suite 206
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Second Location:
5408 N. Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Third Location:
1958 Aberdeen Ct, Sycamore, IL 60178

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