DRUG EFFECTS IN ADDICTION
– tolerance leads to higher doses
– craving (wanting) becomes easily triggered
– satisfaction (liking) is reduced to relief from withdrawal
UNDERSTANDING WITHDRAWAL
– drug use induces compensatory (homeostatic) responses
– withdrawal unmasks the compensatory response
– withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the drug effect
DEALING WITH CRAVING
– be aware of your efforts to bargain with yourself or rationalize use
– identify inner warning signs – stress, sadness, loneliness, overconfidence
– make a plan for avoiding or leaving high risk situations (people, places, things)
PREVENTION OF RELAPSE
– structure your time with daily routines
– re-learn simple satisfactions rather than pursuing shiny new objects
– examine your beliefs and values in order to set new goals
POST-ACUTE WITHDRAWAL
– periods of difficulty with mood, sleep, energy and focus after physical withdrawal is complete
– symptoms come in waves lasting up to several days and can be a trigger for relapse
– ride out the waves with good support and self-care
BENEFITS OF 12 STEP PROGRAMS
– see examples of recovery
– review your life by working the steps
– try out a number of groups until you find the right one
SEE ALSO:
This Is What Neuroscientists and Philosophers Understand About Addiction
Experts Say We Have the Tools to Fight Addiction. So Why Are More Americans Overdosing Than Ever?
Addiction Doesn’t Always Last a Lifetime