Recently, country singer/songwriter Davie Allan Coe passed away. He penned a song that Johnny Paycheck took all the way to the top of the country charts in 1977. That song, “Take This Job and Shove It,” became so popular that a movie with the same name came out in 1981. Meanwhile, the phrase found its way into common usage and was altered for various purposes (dozens of books have been published under the title Take This Job and Love It—and a 2007 episode of Hannah Montana had the same title).
It is no great mystery why the song became such a touchstone. So many people can relate to the idea of wanting to storm out of the workplace after telling off their boss, and the song gives voice to that common fantasy.
Notably, however, the song’s protagonist does not actually follow through on his desire. He, too, is just fantasizing about it—hoping to work up the courage actually to do it someday.
What does this song from nearly 50 years ago have to do with substance use disorders, their treatment, and the recovery journey? Well, just like many workers sometimes have a strong desire to quit their jobs, many people struggling with drugs or alcohol have a strong desire to quit using the substances that are ruining their lives.
All too often, however, the desire to get free of drugs or alcohol seems to be as much of a fantasy as walking off the job does.
How can you turn that desire to leave a substance use disorder in your past into a reality? We are glad you asked.
Why You Might Feel Trapped by Substances
Anyone who is struggling with drugs or alcohol knows deep down that they have to stop using the substances that have a hold of them. After all, ongoing substance use chips away at a person’s physical and mental health. It impacts their relationships, their finances, and more—and never in a positive way. Given these facts, it is only natural that someone would want to give up the substances that are causing all of these problems.
It would be wonderful if all it took to quit was to…well, quit.
Unfortunately, however, that is rarely a workable approach. That is because withdrawal symptoms can be just as intense as the negative symptoms caused by drugs or alcohol. Among those symptoms are devilishly strong cravings that can send a person scurrying back to the substances they are so desperate to leave behind.
This situation, which has you stuck between a rock and a hard place, can seem unresolvable—like a trap from which there is no escape. A person might truly wish they could say, “Take this substance and shove it” (which probably would not have been as big a hit), but find they are unable to—just like the guy in the song who can’t quit his job.
Fortunately, however, there is a way to take action against a substance use disorder.
Get Yourself Into Treatment
The best path toward reaching the goal of putting drugs or alcohol in the past is to pursue treatment at a high-quality recovery center. The process begins with medically supervised detoxification.
This approach to detox allows a person to weather the storm of withdrawal symptoms in a safe and comfortable environment. Equally importantly, that environment ensures that the person in treatment is not exposed to any temptations—because drugs and alcohol are simply not available to them.
Detoxification is followed by a rehabilitation program built around group and individual therapy sessions. This is essential because even though a person’s system has been cleared of substances, they are still likely not equipped to stay away from drugs or alcohol just yet. Rehabilitation provides an opportunity to learn skills and strategies, discover resources and systems of support, and to investigate what may have led to the development of a substance use disorder. In fact, addressing co-occurring mental health disorders—like depression, anxiety or panic, or issues arising from traumatic experiences—can be a central part of rehab.
When residential treatment comes to an end, a top-flight recovery center will offer continued support through an aftercare program. This sort of program will keep alumni connected while also providing ongoing support and access to resources.
It will not surprise you to learn that we have a place in mind that offers all that we have mentioned above.
We Are Here to Help You Reclaim Your Life
Located near St. Louis, Missouri, The Aviary Recovery Center is consistently recognized as one of the best substance use disorder treatment centers in the country. In addition to the programs outlined above, The Aviary also offers an intensive outpatient program that can serve as a follow-up to residential treatment or as a first-line approach for those who need a more flexible approach.
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder and feel as though you cannot break out of the trap you are in, we understand the challenges you are facing. We can address those challenges with personalized, evidence-based treatment plans supported by our high levels of expertise, years of experience, and spirit of empathy. When you are ready to take those substances and shove them, we’re here to help.
