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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How to battle drug addiction?

    Related Topic
    Addiction
    I am addicted to cocaine and trust me when I say that it is a drug where it is impossible to stop ‘cold turkey’. What is the best way to get out of my addiction? It's so addictive that it's so difficult to demonstrate self-control and ween myself off.
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  • Dr Joanne Dennison

    Counselling Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    You say that it is “impossible” to stop cold turkey. It is important to acknowledge that whilst you may not think like you have any control over it, that is merely a feeling. The first thing you may benefit from doing is challenging your thoughts in relation to exactly that.

    When coming off a drug, the withdrawal symptoms tend to consist of the opposite effect of the drug, and so that is what you should expect to go through whilst your brain readjusts its balance of various chemicals. If you choose to see a GP, you may be offered prescribed medication to help you regulate during your withdrawal, however, it is important to be aware of the side effects of prescribed medication, and note that people often become addicted to it. You may find it will help you to have positive emotional supports around you as you go through the withdrawal, as well as getting professional psychological help to reduce the chance of you experiencing a relapse, or developing an addiction for another drug or behaviour (this is not uncommon, as your brain will crave stimulation of its reward centre, that is used to being stimulated by the cocaine). You may benefit from seeking help from a psychologist who is experienced in working with addictions. Bear in mind that remaining drug-free after an addiction usually involves changes, and is likely to require you look at yourself outside of your drug use. Drug use is oftentimes merely a symptom of what else is going on for you on a personal level.

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