Getting better from an addiction can take time. Someone with an addiction can feel scared of what will happen if they don't keep taking the drug. Some won't try quitting until they're forced to, because it seems too hard.
When someone stops using a drug, they might feel very sick for a while. They might feel a very strong need to take the drug again. It can be really hard to stop taking the drug when you feel that bad.
It can be hard to get off drugs, but you don't have to do it alone. Support groups and treatment programs can help. You'll meet people who understand what you're going through. They can give you advice and cheer you on. And counsellors can teach you how to handle life’s problems without using drugs.
Doctors can also help you find medicines that make you feel less sick. For addictions to certain drugs, there are medicines that can help you feel like you don’t need the drug as much.
After you get treatment, you still have a lot to do. You have to:
talk with a doctor about finding solutions for things that led to your drug use, like feeling sad or worrying about things
relearn how to live without using drugs
work on the problems your drug use caused with your friends and family, your job, and your money
learn what makes you want to take drugs again, so you can stay away from those things
You also need to learn your triggers. A trigger is anything that makes you want to go back to using drugs. It can remind you of taking a drug and getting high. A trigger can be:
a person
a place
a thing
a feeling
a picture
something stressful
a memory
People fighting addiction need to stay away from the triggers that can make them start using drugs again.