When you are dealing with past traumas, you may have found that turning to drugs and alcohol have helped. However, drug use only masks the past issues- it doesn’t cure them in the least.
If you have gotten to the point that you realize that you have a problem with using drugs to cope with past issues, good for you! You have made the first necessary step to recovery. The following steps can help when you realize that you need to stop using drugs to cope with the past.
Realize That the Drugs are Simply Covering up the Problem
There is nothing you can do to erase the past. It happened, and now you have the choice to deal with it or try to cover it up. Using drugs or alcohol to try and erase the issues that happened years ago is not actually fixing the problem. Realizing that you are only using to forget the past is your first step. Think about the times that you have used- did it erase the past? Or was it still there when you sobered up? Understanding that it will always be the latter will help you stop using.
Talk to a Licensed Professional
Ignoring your past trauma is not healthy. It may seem as though ignoring the pain you have been feeling is the best course of action, but burying it deep down will cause problems later on. Get help from a licensed therapist or counselor and start talking about the issues you have been dealing with. Don’t be shy when it comes to talking. Remember, most therapists and counselors have heard it all. They are there to listen and give advice. You don’t need to hold back when it comes to talking to someone who can help. A therapist will be able to give you a list of coping methods you can use instead of turning to drugs and alcohol.
Get Help from a Treatment Center
You may not be able to stop using drugs completely on your own. That’s okay- that is why an addiction treatment center can help. You’ll learn many ways to cope with your past that does not involve using drugs. If you are ready to get started, please call 833-846-5669. Our licensed counselors are here for you, 24 hours a day. Don’t let drugs take over your life- get the help you need today.