De-addiction involves overcoming addiction to drugs or alcohol through a combination of medical detoxification, therapy, and support groups. Medical detoxification is the first step, followed by therapy to understand the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping strategies. Support groups provide a supportive and understanding environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement. Ongoing support and treatment may be necessary to maintain recovery, but it is possible to overcome addiction and achieve a fulfilling and healthy life free from substance abuse with the right support and commitment.
Symptoms
Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:
- Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
- Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
- Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
- Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
- Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
- Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
- Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug