Are you suffering or recovering from an addiction? Then you need to learn about healthy habits in recovery to ensure long-term sobriety. From 1990 to 2017, an estimated 70,000 people in the world died due to drug overdose, and more than 20 million adults in the US suffer from substance use disorders every year. Yet, more people continue to abuse drugs, and many get addicted every day. If you feature in this statistic, worry not because help is readily available in a high-quality rehab in Illinois. The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that you’re sick and need help.
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Insight Into Drug Abuse and Addiction
Studies reveal that various individuals are at higher risk of substance abuse and addiction disorders. Several factors may predispose one to abuse drugs, including genetics, psychological factors, family background, and social norms. These factors make one resort to drug use even if the decision is against their long-term interests.
Bear in mind, however, that the risk factors may vary from one person to another. In the same vein, people who are at risk of drug and substance abuse do not necessarily have to become hooked on drugs.
The Effects of Drug Addiction
Substance abuse primarily leads to adverse health outcomes on the part of the user. There are several health risks associated with addiction, such as:
- Pregnancy complications
- Teenage pregnancy
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Domestic violence
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Homicide and suicide tendencies
Substance abuse also leads to other negative impacts on the society at large in the form of deaths caused by intoxicated drivers, lost revenue due to job loss, and healthcare-related expenses. This is not forgetting the legal implications and related costs.
Overcoming Drug Addiction Through Healthy Habits in Recovery
Alcohol or drug abuse usually creates changes in the brain, thus causing a powerful craving and compulsion to use the drug. For such individuals, quitting may seem like an impossible goal to attain.
Nonetheless, full recovery is achievable, even for chronic users or those who have been to rehab before but relapsed. The most significant thing is to observe healthy habits in recovery, including getting the right treatment and support.
For most people who are struggling with substance use or mental health disorders, the toughest step towards recovery is the first one. As earlier stated, you need first to recognize your problem. Typically, you might feel uncertain whether you have what it takes to successfully turn your life around, as committing to a drug-free life involves making significant changes.
For example, it’s essential to change the way you manage stress. Avoid resorting to drug abuse anytime you face challenging situations or anxiety attacks.
Ask yourself: what activities do you engage in during your free time? Adopt other hobbies that do not involve the consumption of drugs. Also, you need to change how you view yourself so that you can only attract the right people into your life.
Adopt Healthy Habits in Recovery for Lifelong Sobriety
At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we offer various levels of treatment programs designed to foster healthy habits for all residents in recovery. We provide a safe and drug-free environment that will keep you focused on achieving your recovery goals. For the best long-term results, there are several treatment options, including:
- Trauma therapy program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Sober living homes
- Outpatient therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- DUI rehab program
You can adequately treat substance use disorders when you check into rehab early. Once you’re in the facility, our mental health experts recommend healthy habits in recovery as the process is a joint effort between you and our staff members. Don’t let addiction take control of your life. Contact us today at 855.786.1978 to schedule an appointment.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.