As many drug experts know, addiction to illegal substances or alcohol can have a profoundly negative impact on an individual’s mental and physical health. Despite the hardships that can result from addiction, however, there are a plethora of strategies that addicts can employ to make their addiction a thing of the past. Here are seven:

1. Get Professional Help.

In many cases, addicts are internally motivated to make their addiction a thing of the past. However, they often lack the knowledge and tools necessary to realize their goal. If you’re currently trying to quit alcohol or cease using an illegal substance, you should know that attaining professional help is one of the most effective ways to realize your goal. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that professional drug counselors and alcohol experts have typically accumulated years and years of experience in the field. In so doing, they will almost always have extensive knowledge and be able to utilize it to offer you customized services that will facilitate long-term recovery and permanent sobriety.

2. End Unhealthy Friendships.

Although you might think ending your unhealthy addiction is all about you and the will power you have to cease abusing drugs or alcohol, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, your environment is one of the primary factors that determines how susceptible you are to relapse. More specifically, the people in your environment can play a grand role in precipitating your relapse or recovery. Since this is the case, it’s a good idea to end unhealthy friendships in which the people around you are offering you drugs or encouraging use in more subtle ways.

3. Get A Mentor.

Getting a mentor is one of the most effective strategies you can employ to put an end to your addiction, especially if the mentor has been successful in recovering from the same substance that has you in its grip. In addition to offering you sound counsel and knowledge regarding how to keep progressing on your road to recovery, the mentor will likely be able to share personal experiences with you that function as reminders that you are not alone in your journey towards recovery.

4. Become A More Spiritual Person.

As many health experts know, people who have spiritual lives tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. Because your level of general satisfaction in life is oftentimes a factor that can preclude you from returning to the dangerous world of drugs, it’s a good idea to become a more spiritual person. There are several strategies you can employ to do so, including by adopting a prayer life or participating in a local church.

5. Exercise.

As many wellness professionals know, exercising is a mood-enhancing activity that can also play a profound role in helping you become a more physically fit and healthy person. All of these factors can boost self-esteem and guide you towards a more healthy mode of being and knowing that makes drug use seem impractical and logical. Since this is so, it’s a good idea to get moving by engaging in physical activities like yoga, cycling, running, jogging, taebo, or swimming.

6. Eat Well.

People who abuse drugs and alcohol do substantive damage to their minds and bodies, and recovering from this damage can function as a great motivator to stay on the path to permanent recovery. In order to heal your body from the physical abuse you’ve subjected it to, it is very important to eat well. If you’re not currently a healthy eater, begin to gravitate towards nutritious, delicious foods such as salads and smoothies. By incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, your body will start receiving the optimal nutrition it needs to function effectively.

7. Journal.

Recording your ideas is a great way to understand hidden fears and anxieties you may have about the path to sobriety. Since this is so, it’s a good idea to invest in a journal and begin expressing your thoughts systematically. In many cases, you will be able to overcome patterns of negative thinking and self-doubt that preclude you from realizing your goal of long-term sobriety.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about breaking free from addiction and remaining on the path to recovery and healing, you should know that doing so is entirely possible. By utilizing some or all of the strategies outlined above, you will likely find yourself becoming the healthy, drug-free person you deserve to be. Good luck!