It is no secret that drug abusers and addicts are struggling with a difficult problem over which they have absolutely no control. It is also no secret that one of the most common signs of drug abuse and addiction problems is the individual’s refusal to admit to these problems, or get help for them. Perhaps it is for this reason that many individuals believe drug rehab should be enforced upon the drug abuser or addict–for their own good. However, while one cannot argue the fact that the individual most definitely needs help and support from others in order to fully and permanently resolve their drug problems, one also cannot argue the fact that an individual must have a willingness to heal in order to be successful in their recovery efforts.
Developing the Willingness to Heal
In many cases, an individual who is struggling with drug abuse and addiction is aware that they have a problem that is adversely affecting their life. However, knowing that they have a problem and having the courage to admit it to self and others, let alone stepping forward to do something about it, are two entirely different things. When the individual is dependent upon drug substances, the fact is that they are not actually in control of their own thoughts and actions in life. They are driven compulsively to continue obtaining and using more drug substances despite the costs, and the very idea of disconnecting from drug use can bring about physical and mental discomfort.
In order to successfully take back control of one’s life from drugs, the individual will have to address and resolve each and every mental, physical and emotional cause and effect of drug use. Needless to say, this is hardly a fast or easy process, and it is for this reason that the individual’s willingness to heal is so critical. It is through their willingness that they will be able to remain dedicated and persistent, despite any and all obstacles that may arise along the way. So how do addicts develop the willingness to heal?
In order to develop a willingness to heal, an addict will first have to become entirely honest with himself. This means that he will have to take the time to actually consider how drug use has adversely affected his health, relationships and life. It may be quite beneficial for the addict to sit down with a trusted friend to discuss this, because where the addict may not be willing to look at the full truth of his situation his friend can gently guide him into recognizing the full truth of it. This should not be considered as any sort of intervention process, but rather an opportunity for the addict to chat openly, honestly and safely with someone who will not judge or push so much as listen and guide.
Once the individual has honestly considered how drugs have adversely affected his life, he must then decide what he truly wants for his future. This is not a time to consider the difficulties of the recovery process, but simply a time to decide what he wants for his future. Most individuals who are suffering from drug addiction problems would readily admit that they wish to be free from these substances and the control they have over their life, decisions and actions. This alone indicates their willingness to heal, and from this they can begin to build up their determination to heal no matter the difficulty in doing so. The plain truth is that no matter how entirely trapped in addiction an individual may be, it is their willingness to heal that determines their success in the recovery process.