Successful Ways To Overcome An Opioid Addiction
Addiction is a common issue that affects between 55% and 60% of adult survivors of child abuse. The good news is that up to 75% of adults with addiction successfully recover, according to National Public Radio. Research shows that alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and cocaine addictions are frequently seen in these individuals. But, as an opioid addiction can have a serious impact on your life, it’s essential to combat it.
Admit you have a problem
Accepting that you have an opioid addiction is the first step in your recovery. But it can also be the hardest. You must remember that your addiction doesn’t make you a bad person or define who you are. Instead, realize that your childhood has played a significant role in this. One study found that 75% of patients in one drug treatment center had been abused as children. In time, getting your head around this will help you through the three stages of acceptance:
- Accepting that you have an opioid addiction
- Self-acceptance is where you accept that your childhood trauma led you here
- Accepting life without opioids
Recognize any cross addictions
Cross addiction (also known as Addiction Interaction Disorder) is common and may occur when you try to replace opioids with something else that is also addictive, such as alcohol, gambling, or shopping. A compulsive shopping disorder is where you lose control over your urges when shopping and make impulsive buys. You may do this online, in person, or a combination of both. Reflection, budgeting, and delay tactics are some ways to get over this addiction. You must get treatment for all your addictions, otherwise, your problems will continue. Studies support this, including one in the Journal of Addictive Diseases which found treatment for opioid use disorder also decreased alcohol and cocaine usage in the participants.
Seek help & support
Once you’ve reached the point of acceptance, you may decide to stop taking opioids altogether in a bid to get over your addiction. Sadly, withdrawing from opioids in this way can lead to serious withdrawal, and symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, aches and pains, and excessive sweating are likely to occur. Sudden withdrawal can even cause death. A much better way is to taper off your opioid usage. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends a decrease of 10% per month for anyone who’s relied on opioids for a year or more. Coming off opioids is difficult and you shouldn’t do it alone, so speak to your doctor about what support they can give to you. Alternative medications are likely to be offered and using support groups and helplines, such as SAMHSA’s National Helpline are beneficial too. Support groups where the other attendees are survivors of child abuse are particularly helpful as being surrounded by people who understand your experiences will help you realize that you’re not alone. You may make friends too as 81% of people who actively engage in support groups have an enhanced network of friends.
HAVOCA’s Addiction section can be following this link: Addiction Section.
Enjoy the benefits of being free from opioids
It’s likely to take weeks or even months to get over your opioid addiction. But don’t let this deter you as part of your journey to recovery includes enjoying the benefits of being free from opioids. These thoughts should spur you on too. One of the biggest benefits of removing opioids from your life is clearer thinking. You’ll be able to think and make decisions knowing that you’re fully in control of your mind. There are also financial benefits as you won’t have to worry about your money disappearing on opioids. Another big advantage is that you’ll learn about yourself and have chances to try and do new things and take up new hobbies. These positive things in your life will help you to overcome your childhood trauma as you’ll be able to minimize the impact it has on you while you focus on the new and exciting things in your life.
If your childhood abuse has resulted in you becoming addicted to opioids, don’t feel ashamed as you’re not the only one. Instead, recognize that now is the time to deal with your childhood trauma and your addiction so that you can live the life you deserve.
