Assuming you are in active addiction right now, and stumbled across this website looking for help, I will assume that you currently withdrawing, or about to withdraw from your addiction.
There is an immediate withdrawal cessation method where you go cold turkey. This typically involves stopping the addiction in its tracks. Going cold turkey will likely attract something called withdrawal effects.
Whilst going cold turkey can seem like a good idea, it can be life threatening to stop taking a substance that your body has developed a physical dependency on. Withdrawal of substances can result in a rapid deterioration of mental health, which is often the reason many of us start consuming drugs to escape our mental health. This can lead to psychosis, where you see and hear things which are not real.
I highly recommend going to A&E/Hospital and seeking medical advice from your local mental health crisis team if you do go cold turkey. There are legally prescribed medications available to smooth withdrawal and manage symptoms. Going cold turkey should not be done on your own. It may be better to wean off the substance slowly to allow your body to adjust naturally if you are unable to do this within a professional environment.
In withdrawal, we suddenly stop doing one addictive behaviour, freeing up significant time and money, but without the addiction. We will feel empty, tired, depressed and addiction, will want us to be alone. We will be broken, fragile and withdrawal can introduce trigger other mental health conditions. It is important that you have a support network in place to help you during the early days of withdrawal, such as telling a friend or family member, a professional.
Developing a clean routine and beginning to form healthy habits, such as attending your local 12 step programme, or recovery support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous is recommended. Attending a meeting everyday for the first 90 days can be a good way to mix with other people in recovery and give you focus and anybody is welcome, perfect if you are shy or nervous. If there is not an in person meeting local to you, consider joining an online meeting, although in person is better.
You don’t have to go a meeting everyday, and you don’t have to even get a sponsor or even do the step work, but simply attending, will be a good start. Baby steps.