After going through all that an addicted person needs to endure in becoming drug-free, it would seem that going back to drugs would be very unlikely, but in most cases, the reverse is true.
While compulsively taking drugs, the addict was suffering from many things, but ignorance is definitely one of those.
It is commonly thought that what was missing in an addicted person is strength, personal power, enough to refuse the drug and go back to living drug-free.
But what is really missing is the knowledge of how to stay off drugs.
What they are lacking is the know-how that too often only comes after having been away from the influence for years.
Part of that know-how is the ability and awareness to see a relapse coming; also, knowing the danger signals that indicate a slip up is imminent.
Here are a few of the pieces of advice that might save the day for the recovering drug addict or drug user: 1.
Keep a close eye on the company you keep.
Trying to hang with the same friends you had while abusing is only going to do two things.
It will expose you to unnecessary temptations that could stretch your resolve to the breaking point.
People who are abusing drugs don't feel comfortable being stoned around straight people.
It can be pretty embarrassing to be all stoned and goofy when the person next to you sees you from an un-high point of view.
And, in order to increase their own comfort level, they could very likely attempt to get you to give in and get high with them.
2.
Put your attention outward and direct it onto an exterior activity.
When a person is introverted, their power recedes.
Any attention spent on needless worries is just that much the less available for constructive thought and planning.
3.
Keep in mind how incredibly easy it can be to slip right back into the rut you just escaped.
Addiction is a long-lasting ailment, and it isn't unusual for a recovering addict to find him or herself suddenly surrounded by drugs and drug users.
The ease with which the addiction can fire up again is astounding.
So it's imperative that you don't treat this danger lightly.
Behave everyday as if you're working on your first month off drugs.
Your guard needs to stay up to that degree.
4.
Probably the most important advice for someone coming off drugs to have is this: You need a purpose in your life.
Not just any purpose, but a purpose that is worthwhile, one that will put meaning into the outcome of your endeavors.
This will make a tremendous difference in the speed of your recovery.
You literally won't have time for a relapse to drug use if you are fighting for something higher.
It is often that we find a person who had drug addiction but dropped the drugs, the habits and the druggie lifestyle when they had a child.
For some, this isn't enough, but there WILL be something that is more important that getting high or avoiding the pain of withdrawal.
Find it, and you've found the key to your recovery.