Withdrawal consists of a series of symptoms, which in general terms are the opposite of those that appear when you are under the effect of the drug.

If the drug you use gives you euphoria and a lot of activity, in abstinence you will feel the opposite: decay and apathy.

If, on the other hand, what you consume leaves you with a feeling of relaxation and well-being, when you try to stop, you will feel agitation and irritability. Although it is true that in most withdrawal syndromes there is anxiety and irritability, apart of course from the intense desire to use.

Wanting to quit

If you finally find out that you do; that you do have an addiction and decide to quit, there is a very important step to begin with. It is always the first of all, and I assure you that without it you will not be able to leave it; and that is to want to leave it. But to really want to.

At this point, ask yourself a question: "Why do I want to give it up? Don't ask yourself why, but what for. In other words, look for your reasons for quitting drugs.

If the answer has to do with yourself, for example, "so that this doesn't destroy my life", "so that I can be healthy", "so that I can feel good about myself"... then it is very clear that you want to quit.

If, on the other hand, your answers have to do with others like, "so that my family can be proud of me", "so that my friends can see that I can,... then, you would have to rethink it; because it is not so clear.

If you intend to give up drugs for anyone other than yourself, to please anyone other than yourself, you probably won't get it.

Reinforce Your Decision

If you're completely determined to quit, there's an exercise that can further reinforce that decision.

Make a written list of all the inconveniences of using drugs for you. Don't write down very general things, such as "it destroys my life". Be more specific about what exactly is harmful to you. From how it affects your skin, your hair, your social relations, your family relations, your economy, etc.

On the other hand, make another list of the advantages of not consuming; a list as concrete as the previous one. Put both of them in a place where you can see them, and you can read them frequently.

Change your habits

Once you're on your way to your goal, it's a good idea to change your habits.

Schedule your days and even your hours so that they have nothing to do, or at least little to do with what you did before.

Don't frequent the places where you used drugs, don't frequent the people you used drugs with. Don't do it as a test to prove to yourself that you're over it; because in that case, the temptation will be too close and... why would you tempt luck?

Look for good companies

If possible, surround yourself with people who know and understand what you are going through and also with people who have already overcome it.

People who love you and value the effort you're making, such as family and friends, are the most appropriate people to seek support from.

Exercise

Practice physical exercise, this will help you to reduce the anxiety produced by stopping using drugs. Plus, you'll have a greater sense of taking care of your health, and that's motivating.

These are just a few tips that can help you if you decide to stop using drugs. But, you know that drug use alters many of the brain's functions, including self-control.

This means you may not be able to leave them alone. Ideally, you should go to a doctor who will refer you to the right professionals. It is usually necessary to go to therapy, both individual and group. Professionals will help you, but the firm decision not to use should be yours.