Breaking the bondage: Exploring the tough decision to quit drugs and alcohol
A black man covering his face against a wall. (Photo by Alex Green from Pexels)
Quitting drugs or alcohol is not easy. Every morning, individuals struggling with alcohol or drug dependence wake up with a determination to break free from the chains that bind them. Yet, by nightfall, the allure of escaping through substances proves too tempting to resist. Their lives became a cycle of remorse, self-loathing, and desperate attempts to numb the pain that gnawed at their souls.
But having the willingness to quit drugs and alcohol is the start of the long road to recovery. This journey proves to be an uphill battle, fraught with physical and emotional withdrawals and relapses that test the limits of our endurance.
In the initial days of recovery, every waking moment seems to oscillate between the excruciating pangs of withdrawal and the relentless drug cravings. The detoxification process is a crucible of torment, with our bodies rebelling against the sudden absence of the substances. Nausea, insomnia, and a pervasive sense of unease become common, pushing them to the brink of despair.
These seemingly impossible challenges lead them back to the bottle or our drugs of choice. It is the easier way out.
The difficult choice of quitting
Why are Drugs so Hard to Quit?
Overcoming drug addiction proves to be a challenging task. It is marked by either deceptive pretenses or a strenuous internal battle. Many individuals addicted to cigarettes grapple with the decision to quit, often delaying their commitment to stop truly.
Public declarations of intent to stop drug use by people with an addiction can be misleading. Some individuals are dishonest or merely putting on a facade. Instead of genuinely desiring to quit, they harbor a desire to persist in their drug use or keep their options open.
In their recovery journey, they frequently navigate a complex maze or face a seemingly impossible brick wall. This experience mirrors the frustration of searching for a restroom while driving on a highway with no visible exit in sight.
In such circumstances, many users opt for the path of least resistance. They prefer continuing their drug use rather than confronting the pains and challenges of recovery.
Essential steps to quit drugs and alcohol
1. Acknowledge the issue. The initial step involves recognizing and admitting the presence of a problem with drugs and alcohol. This notion demands self-awareness and an honest appraisal to initiate change.
2. Seek a support system. Surround yourself with an understanding network of friends, family, or a support group. Discussing your challenges with trusted individuals can be profoundly beneficial.
3. Professional assistance. Consider asking for help from physicians, counselors, and other specialists. They can offer guidance, coping mechanisms, and a structured recovery plan.
4. Educate yourself. Gain knowledge about the physiological and psychological impacts of drugs and alcohol. Understanding these effects can fortify your commitment to cessation.
5. Set achievable goals. Break down your ultimate aim into smaller and manageable goals. Establishing realistic and attainable milestones can alleviate the overwhelming nature of the process.
6. Develop coping mechanisms. Recognize healthy ways to deal with stress and negative emotions. This step may involve cultivating new hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in physical activities.
7. Avoid triggers. Recognize and steer clear of situations or environments that trigger the urge to use substances. This step may necessitate distancing yourself from certain acquaintances or altering your daily routine.
8. Foster a supportive environment. Ensure your living space promotes recovery by eliminating any substances and creating an atmosphere that reinforces your decision to quit.
9. Celebrate milestones. Commemorate and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Positive reinforcement can serve as a motivating force to sustain your progress.
10. Exercise patience. Recovery from addiction is a gradual process, and setbacks may happen. Be patient with yourself, understanding that seeking help is acceptable when needed.
11. Explore treatment options. Think about rehab centers and other recovery programs when conditions are extreme and difficult. These environments offer structure and support for recovery.
12. Plan for the future. Envision long-term goals and plans for your future. Focusing on a positive vision of the life you aspire to lead can serve as a compelling motivator.
Quitting gradually or "cold turkey?"
Quitting from drugs and alcohol is an enormous challenge when we finally decide to stop. The dilemma lies in quitting abruptly—opting for the "cold turkey" approach—or gradually phasing out the habit. The second approach means spacing sober days with occasional indulgence in drugs or alcohol.
Many individuals choose the gradual reduction route, anticipating that the addiction will go away over time. However, this seemingly cautious approach can be misleading. Deep-seated bondage hinders individuals from breaking free, leaving us grappling with the same struggles even after years of gradual reduction.
The idea that tapering off slowly will expedite recovery is frequently deceptive. It potentially prolongs the grip of addiction. Delaying the pivotal decision to quit may result in additional years of suffering before achieving complete sobriety.
In contrast, research indicates that the most effective route is to quit entirely, embracing the "cold turkey" method. A study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden reveals that those who attempt moderation are less likely to succeed, while those who commit to total abstinence experience greater success. The study found that 90% of patients who pursued complete sobriety remained sober two and a half years post-treatment, compared to only 50% of those who practiced controlled consumption and achieved recovery.
The willingness to change
John 5:6. (Bible verse image from Bible Portal)
"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'" - John 5:6
At the Bethesda pool, renowned for its healing properties, Jesus Christ approached a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. The pool attracted individuals with various disabilities—those who were blind, lame, and others. They gathered, hopeful that the stirring of the water would offer them a chance for healing. The man, whose name remains unknown, expressed frustration as he struggled to reach the pool and felt victimized when others surpassed him to access the stirred waters (John 5:7).
Jesus posed a challenging question to the paralyzed individual: "Do you desire to be healed?" In spite of his wavering response, he shared his hardship reaching the pool. While he harbored a desire for recovery, he seemed resigned to the possibility that healing might elude him. In an act of compassion, Jesus commanded him, saying, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk" (v.8). Miraculously, the man was instantly cured (v.9).
This passage illustrates Jesus' demonstration that healing emerges from unwavering faith and decisive action to pursue wellness. It underscores the collaborative effort between God and an ailing, troubled individual.
In the present day, the call for transformation echoed by Jesus resonates amid illness and despair. People with an addiction grapple with resignation, hesitation, and indecision when confronted with thoughts of recovery. Mental paralysis afflicts them, preventing the formulation of a clear path forward.
Opting to stop drug use and mustering the necessary willpower to alter their lifestyles prove to be their most elusive challenges. The daunting decision lies between persisting in the grip of mind-controlling substances or embracing a faith that promises genuine peace and purpose.
Similar to the paralyzed man, addicts easily succumb to complacency and uncertainty. Taking a proactive stance and asserting their right to God's healing becomes formidable. Despite being consciously aware that their lives in unreality are fleeting, they cling to a hidden hope that things will naturally improve in due course. Nevertheless, the allure of drugs and alcohol often postpones the decision to pursue change.
Deciding to stop is the first step on the road to recovery from addiction. It takes bravery to admit that we need help and confess that we are powerless over our bondage. For many of us, this is a challenging and humbling experience. But it is also a necessary one. Once the decision to change is made, individuals can begin taking the necessary steps to build a new life. These steps include finding faith in a power greater than ourselves. Secondly, it means getting rid of anything that reminds us of our addiction and making a commitment to change.
If you are struggling with addiction, know that there is hope. Deciding to quit drugs and alcohol is not just about giving up something harmful. It is about reclaiming the potential for a brighter, healthier, and more meaningful future ahead.
