Five steps to drug de-addiction
Along with self-healing techniques, these easy and effective strategies can help one get over substance addiction
Drugs affect a person’s brain and behaviour and lead to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances
Prof. G B Luthria such as marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs, but even some medications falling under the class of “scheduled drugs” can be addictive. When one is addicted, that person may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.
Drug addiction can start with the experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.
The risk of addiction and how fast one becomes addicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others. As time passes, one may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon, the individual may need the drug just to feel good.
As the drug use increases, that person may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make the individual feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms). An addict may need help from a doctor, family, friends, support groups or an organised treatment program to overcome the drug addiction and stay drug-free.
Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish normal moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that a family member is using drugs include:
Problems at school or work: Frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance.
Health issues: Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes.
Neglected appearance: Lack of interest in grooming or looks.
Behavioural changes: Exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behaviour and in relationships with family and friends.
Money problems: Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use.
Withdrawal side effects can be bothersome, painful and dangerous to your health. During this time, attempting self-guided recovery is illadvised. In a hospital setting, doctors can identify stages of withdrawal and administer medication accordingly.
Steps one needs to take thereafter:
1. Find a support group: For someone who is fighting addiction, being surrounded by people that are not only supportive but also trying to better themselves is a crucial step.
2. Get moving: Regular exercise in any form has been proven to boost confidence and resolve in recovering addicts. Yoga is an excellent choice for recovering addicts because not only does it helps strengthen, increase flexibility, but creates a greater sense of awareness between the mind and the body. Also, Mudra Yoga can help a patient recover from drug addiction.
3. Actively clear your head: Anxiety, stress, anger, and sadness are all negative feelings that can encourage an addict to stay stuck in the same cycle. In order to get out of the cycle, the addict has to find effective ways to manage both highs and lows in life. Meditation is a method that has helped many people to manage their headspace.
4. Holistic healing: Aromatherapy, teas, and massage oils are all viable options. There are also specific herbs when used by themselves or in combination with each other that can help attain a successful and long-lasting recovery. Kudzu is a Chinese plant whose extracts have proven to fight cravings in alcohol addicts.
It can be found in powder and pills in most health food stores. Ginseng, Ashwagandha, and Rhodiola are all herbs that are said to help support adrenal function. Valerian, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, and Skullcap are used to help calm anxiety, soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, encourage relaxation, and aid in getting better sleep.
5. Sujok: Asian Ayurvedic system of stimulating pressure points can be a great help in fighting addiction for those unable to or do not have the willpower required to follow the above. Researched over thousands of years this method can be administered to an addict by anyone. And the best part? It has no side effects. Group 1: GV 14, GV 20, H 7, P 6, Li 4, Tw 5, St 36, GB 34 and Liv 3 (apply star magnets after finding painful points on both hands).
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