Can't Quit Drugs? Expert Advice on Building a Sustainable Recovery
How to Quit Drugs for Good
Why Is Quitting So Hard?
Many people think quitting is simply a matter of stopping use, which sounds easy enough. But in reality, the brain of someone who uses drugs has already been “rewired.” Stimulants in particular — such as yaba, cocaine, or crystal meth — cause an abnormally high release of dopamine. Once use stops, the brain’s rhythm is thrown off, creating cravings that are extremely difficult to control.
There are also several contributing factors:
- Emotional state, such as depression, anxiety, or a short temper
- Environment, such as friends who still use, or places tied to past use
- Self-deceiving thoughts, such as “just this once won’t hurt”
That’s why quitting doesn’t mean the problem is solved — it takes a comprehensive relapse prevention plan that covers every dimension.
Relapse Prevention: Covering Every Dimension
1) Managing triggers
- Avoid people, places, and things linked to past use
- Watch for the dangerous emotional states known by the acronym HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — these are high-risk moments that increase cravings. The moment you notice you’re in one of these states, take care of yourself right away: eat properly, rest enough, release anger and frustration, and don’t let yourself feel empty or isolated — reach out to your community or people who are good for your wellbeing
2) Skills for overcoming cravings
- Urge surfing: Think of a craving like a wave — it rises, then falls. Give it about 10 minutes, and the craving will gradually ease on its own.
- Identify risky situations and plan ahead (If–Then plans): For example, “If someone invites me to use, I will refuse and immediately block that contact.”
- Distraction: Redirect your attention to something you enjoy, such as exercise, taking a walk, or trying a new activity.
3) Psychotherapy and mental health care
- Practice reframing thoughts and behavior: such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and correct the thoughts that lead to use, like “just this once won’t hurt.”
- Find your purpose and what matters most in life: Be clear with yourself about why you want to quit, and what good things could happen in your life if you succeed.
- Treat co-occurring psychiatric conditions: such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder — because if these go untreated, the risk of relapse is much higher, since mental health remains unstable.
4) Physical self-care
- Get enough sleep, 7–9 hours a night
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
- Eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated
5) Family and community support
- Families should “support quitting without enabling the behaviors that keep addiction going” — for example, not giving cash that could be used to buy drugs, but instead helping arrange doctor visits
- Avoid blaming or criticizing the person — focus on solving the problem together to support lasting recovery
6) Ongoing aftercare
- Attend regular follow-up appointments so a psychiatrist and psychologist can assess, treat, and monitor progress continuously, for at least a year, which is roughly how long it takes for the brain to recover from cravings
If You Really Can’t Quit on Your Own, What Then?
Self-treatment at home may not be enough, especially if you’ve tried and failed before, or if you have psychiatric symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. Entering a residential treatment center is the safest option, with a team of doctors and psychologists providing close supervision.
Day One Rehabilitation Center provides holistic care that includes:
- Safe detoxification
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Brain and body recovery
- A specialist team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists across multiple areas of addiction treatment
Contact Day One Rehabilitation Center for comprehensive addiction treatment and a sustainable way to quit drugs. Reach out to us through any channel.
If you need help with addiction treatment or quitting cannabis for your child, contact Day One Rehabilitation Center for consultation and comprehensive care.
Phone: +66 64-645-5091, +66 64-645-5092 LINE: @dayone www.dayonerehabcenter.com Location: 99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand (only a 1-hour drive from Bangkok) Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QsirzwMjJ185K5oa7