Having an issue with drug or alcohol use, abuse, dependency, or addiction can be one of the most challenging problems an individual may have to face in his or her entire life. If the individual is self-aware enough to realize the extent of his or her problem, he or she may feel daunted by the prospect of changing his or her habits. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of quitting substance abuse is detox, which is the time period in which the former substance abuser stops ingesting the substance of his or her choice.
The process of detox can be very physically challenging, as the body becomes dependent on the substance in order to carry out its most basic functions. Removing the substance can sometimes cause physical pain as the body readjusts to functioning without the aid of the substance. The process of quitting substance abuse can also present a mental challenge. The individual who was a substance abuser may not feel comfortable or safe trying to live his or her life without the aid of his or her substance of choice.
If an individual can overcome the physical and mental challenges associated with detoxification, he or she is well on the way to making a positive and lasting change in his or her life. In order to meet this challenge, it is often very helpful to have some kind of support during the process. Outside help and support can prove invaluable for the individual who is making the monumental change from a life of substance abuse to a life of sobriety. Because this is such a challenge, support and encouragement at this delicate juncture can often make the difference between success and failure.