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Finding yourself in the position of having to decide whether or not you’re an addict who needs to stop using drugs is a scary proposition, especially when the notion first hits your thoughts. There are a number of ways you might come to this realization; friends, family, boss, or maybe it might just come to you all on its own. But, however it happens, it is a courageous first step to starting a new life.

In many cases drug treatment for someone who is addicted can also arrive in many ways; group therapy, one on one counseling, alcohol education, and more times than not a 12-Step program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are part of this process. A 12-Step program usually continues well after alcohol or drug treatment ends. Another way to quit, if you can’t on your own, and many can’t, is to enter a drug treatment program who can medically manage your withdrawals. Depending on the drug and addiction, the withdrawal symptoms could kill you.

It’s important to note though that treatment just doesn’t deal with the alcohol or drugs, it also helps you deal with your daily life so you don’t need to depend on alcohol or drugs. It also doesn’t happen overnight, this process takes a life-time that takes a good deal of commitment and effort.

One of the frightening parts of recovery is the chance of relapse. A relapse is picking up alcohol or drugs after a period of sobriety. It is rather common, but it is important to understand that you are not the only one who is going through it, you learn what the trigger was that moved you in that direction, and what you can do to prevent the next one. In many cases everyone learns from their relapse.

Anyone can make the decision to quit using drugs or alcohol on their own, but depending on the case it is not always advised. Being around people in a 12-Step Program who or a doctor or therapist who can help medically manage the withdrawal symptoms are both viable options. Either way, consulting a physician and being up front and honest about your drug and alcohol intake will help them give you the support you need. They can help you make the decision as to whether or not you should enter a drug treatment facility program, or through therapy and a 12-Step program.