Unable to quit drugs
Drugs are now ingrained in our society and sometimes seem like an innocent way to relax or give a party that little bit extra. But drugs are not risk-free and can lead to addiction.
A drug affects your central nervous system. It can be a medication, but also a psychoactive substance that affects you in a narcotic, stimulant or hallucinatory way. When “an occasional line” or “sometimes a pill” is no longer sufficient, there may be a drug addiction. Just like alcohol, drugs often sneak into your life unnoticed until you can't stop taking them. Drug addiction knows no borders: it occurs in all social strata. Stress, pressure to perform and the complexity of daily life often play an important role.

Recovering from a drug addiction starts with admitting you need help. As soon as you take this difficult step, our multidisciplinary team is here for you: therapists, psychologists and experts will guide you step by step.
At Affect2U, we look at the whole picture: outpatient care or residential care in our warm, safe environment. Recovery is a verb: it requires continued attention and practice. Together, we will find the approach that suits you best.
Ready to take the next step?
When you notice that quitting is not working, it is important not to keep procrastinating. A first conversation can bring peace and clarity.
If you notice that you are using more and more often, that it is difficult to quit, or that people around you are concerned, it may be useful to talk to a professional. An initial meeting can help clarify your situation and possible steps towards recovery.
There is no exact point at which recreational use turns into addiction. It is often about loss of control and the impact on your life. If you need more and more, if stopping does not work, or if your use causes problems at work, in your relationships or with your health, you may be dealing with a drug addiction.
Some people do stop using drugs without help, particularly when the use has not been going on for long. Much depends on the substance, though: cannabis, cocaine, GHB and opioids each act on the body and the brain in their own way, so withdrawal differs in symptoms, intensity and length. Your surroundings matter just as much, because if you use within a fixed group of friends or regular contacts, temptation stays within easy reach. Once dependence has set in, or when stress, trauma or low mood sits underneath the use, stopping is rarely a matter of willpower alone. Support offers no guarantee, but it does help you come off safely, rebuild your circle and work on what lies beneath.
When you stop taking drugs, your body and mind can react with withdrawal symptoms. These vary from drug to drug, but common ones include restlessness, sleep problems, irritability, fatigue, anxiety and a strong craving for the substance. In some cases professional support may be needed to get through this process safely.