Being addicted to drugs or alcohol is a scary situation to be in, whether it is you or a loved one. The decision to get addiction help is a big one, often buffered by fear and confusion.
And more likely than not, you may not be aware of where to start.
If you’re thinking about starting the recovery process, here are the basics you need to know.
First: Do You Need Recovery?
It’s useful to observe how your alcohol or drug use has affected your own life and the lives of those close to you. Most people who are addicts go through a phase of denial, often downplaying the extent of their problem. If you can honestly take a close look at the effects of addiction — both those that have already happened and those that could happen in the future — it may help you decide if you need to get help or not.
A few signs that you may be addicted to drugs or alcohol and need help to beat it are:
- Having trouble controlling your use of drugs and being unable to stop even when you don’t want to.
- Getting ill when you reduce or end the use of drugs or alcohol.
- Requiring increasing amounts of use or consumption in order to achieve the same effects.
- Missing work, school, or home responsibilities
- Isolation, anxiety, or depressive feelings
- Continuing substance use despite negative consequences
Making the Decision to Change
The decision to improve is a personal one that may require serious consideration. Some individuals struggling with addiction reach a low point, referred to as “hitting rock bottom,” before they choose to seek help, but this is not required. At any point during addiction, you can choose to change. You do not need to lose everything before initiating your recovery.
The best time to start is now.
To make your commitment to remain clean and sober more powerful and live a life of recovery:
- Identify why you must quit. Think about what you wish to gain from recovery, for instance, better health, mending relationships, or feeling less constrained.
- Set specific goals. If your aim is to quit alcohol altogether or to reduce harm, having a clear goal will keep you motivated.
- Expect challenges. Understand that recovery is a process with setbacks, but persistence and determination can allow you to continue moving forward.
Preparing for Addiction Treatment
Preparation is essential to ensure a smoother transition into formal recovery. Individuals may experience emotional difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, during this stage.
Emotionally, you may benefit from counseling or therapy to address underlying issues and build resilience. Physically, you may want to get a medical check-up to prepare for detox. Logistically, you may need to arrange time off work, organize childcare, or find a treatment center that fits their needs.
Support from family and friends can also make a significant difference during this stage. Encouragement and practical help, such as assistance with research or providing transportation, can alleviate some of the stress and help individuals focus on their recovery goals.
Finding the Right Path to Substance Use Disorder Recovery
There are many addiction treatment programs available for people with addiction issues. You need to discover the type and level of treatment that best fits you and your situation. Be sure to seek recommendations from your physician, therapist, or intake counselor on what they think is best for you.
Your professional treatment choices for addiction include:
Detoxification (Detox)
Individuals who are dependent on substances (such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines) should attend a medical detox. Withdrawal symptoms from certain substances can be extremely unpleasant and even life-threatening, and so receiving assistance from a physician can render the detox process comfortable and safe.
Additionally, addressing both alcohol and drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. You may require 24/7 supervision to avoid the effects of withdrawal and medical complications.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient (residential) rehabilitation offers a structured schedule in which patients are cared for day and night. The programs usually run for 30, 60, or 90 days and include therapy, medical care, and group support. Inpatient rehab is best suited for those who require additional support and need to take themselves away from their daily habits to focus on their recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) are less intensive than inpatient care. In this program, treatment is during the day, but patients return home in the evening. PHP is best for those who have just finished their inpatient program.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, usually runs for several hours a day, a few days a week. It is for people who need less assistance than inpatient or PHP programs, or who don’t need as much help.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient care enables people to still get treatment while staying at home. They usually go for a few days a week. Outpatient care is also flexible, thus being appropriate for people with work or family commitments. Outpatient care may involve therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
What Happens in the Recovery Process After Rehab?
The recovery process does not stop when you finish rehab. It is a way of life that continues for the rest of your life. After finishing your treatment programs, you must construct a life of recovery in the home. Addressing mental health is crucial in this phase, as structured routines and therapy can significantly improve mental well-being and self-esteem.
The following are some things that have assisted people as they reintegrate into everyday life:
Ongoing Support and Treatment
Therapy will help you comprehend the reasons behind your addiction. Addressing substance abuse requires robust support systems, such as the 12-Step program, to effectively manage and overcome addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing are popular therapies for addiction. Therapy can also help you continue to build ways of dealing with triggers and remaining on the path to recovery.
Attending Support Meetings
There are organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery that assist people who have problems with addiction. Support groups offer friends, help, encouragement, and a feeling of belonging, which can be very important at the start of the recovery journey.
Building a Support Network
Addiction recovery should not happen alone. Being around strong support can actually help you remain sober for longer periods of time. Telling supportive friends and family members about your decision to recover can give you emotional support. Not everyone will understand what you are going through, but you should still be around people who respect your decision to change.
Building Positive Coping Mechanisms
One of the hardest things to do in early recovery is to figure out how to manage stress, emotions, and triggers without using addiction. It requires developing new and healthy coping mechanisms in order to sustain recovery. Working with a therapist could be useful as you heal.
Exercise and Physical Health
Physical exercise can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Walking, yoga, or weight training are some forms of fitness training that can be healthy stress outlets.
Finding Innovative Channels
Engaging in creative activities like writing, art, music, or crafts can provide a positive way of expressing emotions and removing boredom, one of the most common precipitants for relapse.
Having a Structured Daily Routine
Developing a daily routine can give you stability and restrict free time, which can trigger cravings. Planning out activities, going to support groups, and setting daily goals can help keep you on track with recovery.
Identifying Triggers
Triggers can be people, places, feelings, or situations that cause cravings. Triggers must be discovered and learned how to cope with.
Having a Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan should include:
- Strategies to cope with cravings
- A list of supportive individuals to call upon when things get tough
- Good things to do instead of using drugs or alcohol.
- Actions to take promptly if a relapse occurs.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Recovery in the long term is more than just stopping the use of an addictive substance or behavior — it’s creating a fulfilling life without addiction. This means discovering new interests, mending relationships, and pursuing personal ambitions.
Restoring Trust
Addiction may ruin relationships, yet recovery also offers a chance to regain trust. Being open, honest, and making consistent efforts can restore relationships with individuals you care about.
Marking Progress
Paying attention to milestones, even minor ones, can enhance motivation and contribute to a successful recovery. Whether it is one day, one month, or one year of sobriety, celebrating your successes can encourage you to keep going.
Find the True You When You Decide on Recovery
The addiction recovery process is a multi-stage journey that requires learned coping mechanisms for long-term success. Taking the first step towards that recovery is a strong and meaningful choice.
Understanding the treatment process and preparing emotionally, physically, and logistically is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for your commitment to change. The journey is hard, but also rewarding.
By getting help, working on your personal growth, and learning healthy ways to cope, you can live an addiction-free and happy life.
For further information on how to begin recovery, contact My Time Recovery today.
