Recovering from drug or alcohol abuse can seem impossible, but there are proven methods and helpful tips that can help you escape the chains of substance abuse. If you want to change your life and stop abusing substances, you can try these four methods to start your recovery process.

Find a Treatment Center

Depending on your level of dependency, you may require medical assistance during your recovery. Substance abuse treatment centers can provide you with the tools you need to safely and successfully stop using drugs or alcohol. Therapy and support groups can also be effective methods for substance abuse recovery. Substance abuse treatment can help you recover physically and mentally from drugs and alcohol.

Seek Support

You don't have to recover from substance abuse alone, and you shouldn't attempt to. You will have more success if you surround yourself with positive, sober friends and family members who want you to get better. They can hold you accountable, keep you on track, and provide you with love and support every step of the way. Surrounding yourself with the right people is one of the best ways to stick with sobriety.

Make a Post-Recovery Plan

When you're withdrawing from substances, the future can seem bleak. You may feel bored or uncertain about what to do with your time. You can stay hopeful and motivated by making plans for your sober future. Maybe you want to get married, adopt a pet, or travel the world. Setting these goals is a fun, productive way to power through cravings and dream of a bright future for yourself. You can also use this time for self-care, or pick up a new hobby like painting or exercising.

Stay Away From Old Friends

During your recovery process, it's critical that you stay away from people who are still abusing substances. You should avoid people and places that encourage you to use or trigger your cravings. It may seem unfair to just cut people out of your life, but your priority needs to be sobriety. People who encourage you to abuse substances probably don't have your best interest at heart anyway. You may feel guilty for letting go of friendships, but you will be better off without people who are dragging you down.

With the right support and habits, recovery is possible. If you are ready to make a positive change in your life, you can use these tips to stop substance abuse.