There are basically 2 ways you can look at trying to beat alcoholism or drug addiction. The first one is to go it alone and try to do it yourself. Or, you can try and get professional help and look into the various forms of treatment available.
I definitely don’t think you should be trying to overcome your addiction by yourself. It’s just so much harder and the cost of getting it wrong, just too high, because your life (or that of a loved one) is literally at stake.
I think there are two primary reasons though that people look at try to overcome an addiction by themselves. The first one is the shame of effectively ‘coming out’ or ‘going public.’ I think there is a stigma attached to admitting an addiction so many people try all they can to cover it up and would rather die than admit to having a problem.
Don’t buy into that! There is nothing wrong with owning up to a problem with alcohol or drugs. There are millions and millions of people out there going through the same thing. And by admitting to alcoholism or drug addiction you’ve probably taken the most important step on your journey towards recovery – ownership of what’s going on. Because without that – you’re just living in denial – and have no chance of ever getting better.
I think the second major reason people try and avoid getting professional help for treating an addiction is the cost factor and the thought that it is simply too expensive. Sure there are expensive forms of treatment that you have no doubt read about – but there are also other very affordable forms, that almost anyone, no matter what your financial position, can benefit from.
Imagine if you had cancer. You wouldn’t be looking to fight that yourself, surely? I know there are people that have (and successfully so) – but if you can get professional help that is ready and willing to help you – why not make use of it?
My first suggestion then would always be that you always try and get yourself into a drug or alcohol treatment center. It may involves doing some investigation and research to find one that is right for you and in close enough proximity (if you’re concerned about the costs) – but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make it happen. It was certainly the best thing I did in helping me sort my life out.
By going into treatment you suddenly realise that there are others going through pretty much the same things you are – and that you’re not alone. The loneliness and sense of isolation you feel disappear. Yes, treatment may only be the beginning of your journey towards recovery, but it certainly does give you the best possible chance of starting a new life for yourself.
