The question of whether you can get rid of addiction without treatment in Indianapolis, or in any city, depends on several factors. Namely, the type of addiction and the individual that is struggling with that addiction has an impact on the success rate of quitting without assistance. Then, there’s the option of finding assistance outside of drug and alcohol rehab facilities, such as by attending AA and NA meetings or finding other support groups for those who are battling addiction.
To begin with, “treatment” is a very general term. Several things can qualify as treatment for addiction recovery in Indianapolis, IN. Generally speaking, though, most people using this term are referring to professional alcohol and drug addiction treatment services. So, can you quit without them? Probably. Many people do. For as many people who find success in a drug and alcohol rehab, there are equally as many who seek out other routes for recovery, including doing it all on their own.
While some people succeed at recovery on their own simply because of their sheer will and drive, or the fact that they haven’t been dealing with the addiction for long so it may be easier to overcome, it’s not for everyone. Here’s what you should know.
Support Helps
One of the biggest concerns for those recovering from addiction is finding new friends and places to spend their time. Getting rid of those old friends and habits can make the road to recovery very lonely for some. That’s why support makes all the difference in success for many people. Even those who don’t seek treatment through alcohol or drug rehab facilities are suggested to build a strong support network of friends, family, and others in recovery so that they aren’t alone.
Sometimes, that support can make or break someone’s success in recovery. It’s the main reason that the founders of AA (and eventually the drug-focused counterpart, NA) created the idea of sponsors and “sponsees”—people who have been in recovery longer are chosen to mentor those who are newer to their program, allowing them to provide support, accountability, and other assistance along the way.
If you decide to go another route with beating your addiction, don’t forget to make sure that you’ve got a strong support network by your side every step of the way. It may be what pushes you through and helps you beat your addiction once and for all.
Some Addictions Need Medical Intervention
Then, there is the fact that some addictions have just gotten to a point where they require some type of medical intervention. Severe alcohol withdrawal, for example, can lead to seizures, delusions, and even sudden heart attack or stroke, if not properly monitored and managed by a team of professionals. Some drug addictions are like this, too, where detoxing can actually be more dangerous, or equally as dangerous, as the addiction itself in the first place.
It’s important to consider all the factors when deciding whether or not to pursue treatment for addiction recovery. If you aren’t sure, you can find resources online like the National Institute on Drug Abuse and SAMHSA, which will help you learn more about addiction, treatment options, and what you can do if you don’t want to go the conventional route with treatment.
The opioid epidemic has created a strong awareness for a necessary increase in available resources for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, so it shouldn’t be hard to find information to direct you on the right path to your recovery.
Treating the Underlying Causes
Another concern with skipping treatment for alcohol or drug addiction is whether the underlying issues are being addressed. Many people who struggle with addiction also have mental health issues or other concerns that need to be addressed. There is a reason that the addiction started in the first place. Part of addiction treatment in Indianapolis, IN, is getting to that root cause and then treating it (or them, depending on what is going on) so that you can continue with your recovery without the same stressors that caused you to use in the past. 
You can enter therapy on your own or consider an IOP, or intensive outpatient program, if you don’t want to attend an inpatient recovery program. This could be ideal for those who might want help but think that they can’t afford to just put their lives on hold and go to treatment. What matters is that even if you just talk to your general practitioner, you get help for whatever was fueling the addiction in the first place. Otherwise, you will be more likely to relapse in the future.
Some People Do Succeed
Some people succeed in recovering from drug or alcohol addiction entirely on their own or without any type of formal treatment. However, it’s far more often the exception than the rule. More importantly, it’s not necessary to go it alone and you shouldn’t feel like you have to. If you want help, it’s out there and you should take advantage of it. If, however, you’d like to try it on your own, that’s a choice that you have. Just make sure that you are realistic about your situation and set expectations you can live up to so that you don’t end up back where you started.
Addiction treatment and recovery are as individual as the people who struggle with them on a daily basis. Only you can decide what is going to be best for your situation. Take the time to read up on addiction recovery and the different alternatives to traditional treatment. You may find something that suits you better, or that you want to try before you invest in something like a rehab center, even if only for outpatient services.
If you’re ready to quit, you can do it and there is support out there to help you. Ultimately, as long as you are committed to your success and are aware that there’s more to addiction than just getting rid of the substances, you should be able to accomplish your goals. However, there is no shame in asking for help and it’s there when you need it.
If you feel like you need a drug and alcohol rehab addiction treatment program in Indianapolis, IN then Addiction Rehab Centers if here to help. Contact us today for a caring ear to help you through this hard time.