Help and recovery from drug addiction: nutrition, support, and a long-term battle

Seeking help

You're fed up with all of this: physical weakness, an unbalanced bank account, deteriorating relationships, and all sorts of legal problems. Now it's time to take action on its root cause (addiction) and resolve to overcome it. But you may encounter some obstacles.

One obstacle is the sense of shame. While the medical community views addiction as a medical condition, society often perceives it as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Another barrier is the traditional "disapproval from those around you," which can discourage a person from integrating into social life. Faced with these challenges, addicts are prone to banding together and continuing their previous lifestyles.

Your own deepest obstacle: denying your addiction. Dr. Schnard says, "This is one of the main barriers for patients seeking help from society. This reluctance and denial stems from several aspects: one is self-esteem-'I am not like this, I am strong, I can handle this myself, it cannot control me.' The second is what we call self-satisfying memories. When we are under the influence of drugs, the effects make us think: I took the drug, I feel great, I achieved my goals, and I eliminated the pain. At this moment, we forget failure, forget being imprisoned or still doing illegal things, forget that our words and actions have hurt our families. We forget that our health is being damaged."

Latest Information

• Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 14 people in the United States abuses or depends on various legal or illegal drugs.

• Risk factors: Anyone can become dependent on drugs. Genetics, family, and environment all play a role. Those with a history of alcoholism or mental illness are more prone to drug addiction.

• Affected age groups: People of all ages. Even young children can become addicted to heroin.

• Gender differences: Overall, men are more likely to abuse or become dependent on drugs, but women are more likely to use drugs purchased from pharmacies.

• Target patients: Inpatients. Outpatient treatment centers also help patients with drug addiction and other problems. Local aid groups are usually listed in the phone book.

To stop using drugs, you must do two things. First, you need to quit-stop taking the medication and allow your body's natural chemicals to function properly. At this point, you may need help from a local hospital or rehabilitation center. Second, you need to consistently resist the urge to use the medication. You need to develop a long-term plan because the urge to relapse is very strong. Here are some suggestions from addiction experts.

A nutritious diet is essential; ample nutrition can help repair the damage drugs have caused to the body. Dr. Beasley says that a rich diet can also reduce cravings for drugs. He suggests:

Maintain a balanced and varied diet.

Avoid or reduce your consumption of sugary and caffeinated foods, as these can easily cause mood swings and trigger destructive cravings.

Adhere to the principle of "eating small, frequent meals" to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Meal intervals should not exceed 3 hours.

Reduce your consumption of highly processed foods.

Increase your intake of vitamins and minerals.

Attending patient gatherings is a way to boost your confidence when you first ask for help. Dr. Schnard says, "The simplest and easiest way is to attend a nicotine or cocaine anonymity gathering. But be prepared to fight self-denial beforehand. If you walk in, you know what's going to happen. You'll keep thinking, 'Their situation is much worse than mine-my situation is much better. I won't be suffering like them.' That's how your self-esteem and confidence begin to work."

Some people try to quit drugs on their own with the help of medical professionals. However, quitting drugs without a doctor's help can be life-threatening. Dr. Schnaud says, "Especially for addictions caused by sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol, patients can be in danger of death without proper care during the withdrawal process. They may have a heart attack or cardiac arrest." Quitting heroin without medical care is extremely dangerous, especially the first five days, which are extremely painful. During the withdrawal of cocaine and amphetamines, you may become manic and anxious-medical care, while not solving these problems at their root, can provide relief.

Finding the right doctor requires specialized training to help you with addiction. Dr. Schnaud says, "The first thing I tell my doctors is: Do you know what addiction is? Do you know how to help patients quit? Because many doctors don't. You can seek help from doctors at the National Alcohol and Drug Association, or from your local medical association. These doctors are highly trained."

Overcoming the Influence of Popular Culture: Hollywood films are filled with all sorts of heroic figures who drink heavily and then take down villains with the precision of sharpshooters. These images are full of masculinity and as alluring as the stories in the films. But let's not forget that these are all fictional. Dr. Schnard commented on movie heroes: "You see the good side of them. But you don't see them being arrested, you don't see them getting sick, you don't see them getting into trouble and doing their sordid things at home, you don't see them being unemployed and struggling at work."

Remember: This is a long-term battle. Overcoming drug addiction alone is not enough; you are always at risk of relapse for the rest of your life. Dr. Schnard says, "We tend to treat this as an acute illness, thinking, 'You've quit, you're fine from now on.' That's not true. Drug addiction is like diabetes. Who can get diabetes? Anyone, any age. Who can become addicted to drugs? Anyone, any age. Why? We don't know yet, but it's a chronic condition-like arthritis and diabetes-and it can relapse. Simply emphasizing this isn't enough; you must also have a viable plan, otherwise the likelihood of relapse is very high."

Don't be complacent; drugs can be cross-addictive. Imagine you've kicked your cocaine habit but think smoking a couple of marijuana cigarettes at a party won't hurt. But that's not the case. The euphoria from marijuana can trigger cravings for cocaine, and you're in trouble again. Dr. Schnard says, "If you've ever been addicted to a stimulant or mood-altering drug, you have to be extremely careful with any drug." Even nicotine and caffeine can lead you back to old habits.

Fun Facts

Are you addicted?

It's quite possible that a small dose of cocaine in the morning will keep you alert, and a few more will give you the energy to work a full day. However, you'll usually avoid your wife, who strongly dislikes this white powder. Your boss is oblivious and unconcerned. But he's extremely concerned about productivity.

Someone like you isn't a drug addict, right? Think about it carefully. If you meet the following criteria, then you may already be addicted.

If you don't take the medication, you won't be able to work or live a normal life.

You have developed a tolerance to the drug you chose. You must continuously increase the dosage to achieve the same effect.

If you reduce or stop taking medication, you will experience great physical and mental distress.

Drug use is destroying your family, friendships, and job.