by C-P

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 reckon the reason many of us alcoholics and drug addicts will look to overcome an addiction by ourselves is twofold. We feel a certain shame or embarrassment to admitting to an addiction, especially because it has a certain stigma attached to it, and so would rather just keep our problem to ourselves due to the fear of it ‘getting out.’

Don’t believe that for a second though. There is no shame in admitting to an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Tens of millions of people struggle with addiction. It is now medically regarded as a disease after all. Any more importantly – by taking ownership of your problem, you’ve taken the most important step to coming clean. Because without doing that, you’d just be living in denial – and then you’d have no chance.

The other and 2nd major reason many addicts don’t get professional treatment is the thought that because of the costs involved – that getting treatment is simply not realistic. Yes – some forms of treatment are expensive, but you do also get many other kinds that are accessible and affordable to almost everyone.

If you had cancer, would you try and beat that by yourself? And there will be some of you, I know, who have read stories of people who have done exactly that, but why make it harder for yourself if there are people out there ready and willing to help you?

I certainly reckon that getting into a treatment program should always be your first priority. You may need to look into the ‘where and how’s ‘ exactly – but there should certainly be nothing to stop you if you decide that’s what you want to do. I know it made all the difference in helping me get my life back on track.

Going to treatment helps you realise that you’re not alone. There are other people going through exactly the same things you are. And so you suddenly don’t feel so lonely and isolated anymore. Yes – treatment is only the beginning of the road – but it gives you the best possible start towards building a new life for yourself.

About the Author:
To find out more about C-P and how he’s managed to live an drug and alcohol free life for more than 7 years now, you can visit his website. Of particular interest may be this article on Alcoholism Addiction Treatment and if you like the idea of self help methods – go to Addiction and Alcoholism Self Help

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