Abuse of alcohol and other drugs may ruin families. It may make people upset and hopeless in life. The impact is terrible, but there is hope at the end of the tunnel. A substance abuse treatment program can help you overcome addiction.
People with drug abuse and their families may find it helpful to know the recovery process. It is an ongoing process of change and passion in which you pledge not to abuse drugs anymore. You commit to seeking the crucial help and care to resist addiction.
Read on to understand how the recovery process for drug and alcohol addiction works.
Key Takeaways
Healing from drug addiction is not easy for everyone. Some people need extra care from family to overcome addiction. Others need to seek professional help from rehab centers. It is good to get help early; otherwise, there might be severe effects.
The blog post will cover the following key points:
- Drug addiction recovery is a way to return to a regular and addiction-free life routine.
- Medical experts divide the healing process into five different stages.
- The first stage comprises the rewards of drug abuse, while the second stage makes it clear to get ready for rehab, but not instantly.
- The third stage includes the treatment options, such as detox, inpatient, and outpatient care plans.
- The fourth stage is about positive life changes, while the fifth is about maintaining the achieved recovery.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, visit The Haven Detox-New England. For more information, dial: (844) 933-4145
Drug Addiction Recovery
Experts define addiction as the excessive use of any substance or habit. It varies from person to person, but the general concept suggests disruption in your daily life.
Recovery is returning to a normal state of physical and mental health. But recovery from drug addiction is a return to a drug-free life. The healing scales may vary depending on your medical condition, behavioral health condition, and the drug you misused.
People who start using drugs may need to know how to live without them as part of their recovery. The key here is handling life without drugs. The basis of addiction rehab programs is learning to act without using drugs or alcohol as a coping tool.
Stages of Drug Addiction Recovery
Starting a treatment plan or any substance abuse recovery program can be scary. But, it’s a crucial step towards improving your life. Depending on the type of treatment, healing from alcohol and drug addiction can be different for every person.
Program durations vary. You can select from outpatient treatment options or an inpatient drug rehab stay of 30, 60, or 90 days. No matter what kind of therapy or treatment a person opts for, they will change as they progress.
Mental health experts divide the recovery process into five stages:
Stage 1: Precontemplation
In the early stages of healing, people with substance addiction are not ready for any rehab program. Defensive mood and constant rationale of their actions define this stage. They lack awareness about the toxic effects of drug or alcohol abuse.
Such people emphasize the benefits of consuming their liked drug.
A person could stay in this stage since they don’t know enough about addictive habits. Failed healing attempts and rehab choices are other reasons patients are stuck in this stage. Most people believe that healing is out of the question for them.
In reality, anyone can overcome any addiction.
Stage 2: Contemplation
Contemplation can be described as thoughtful readiness. It indicates that the individual is ready for change, but not immediately. In contrast to the earlier stage, people know the benefits of giving up drugs and alcohol.
But, they are still aware of the rewards they see in drug or alcohol abuse. The person is more open to the argument at this point, which is crucial for family members. You can help them reach the next stage by avoiding placing blame.
Stage 3: Preparation
In the planning stage, the person is raising their sense of urgency about their desire for sobriety. They’ve taken action steps, such as visiting a counselor, joining a gym, or trying to kick an addiction without going to a rehab facility.
It’s common for people in this stage to go for one or two days without abusing drugs or alcohol. Still, it’s equally common to see them return to previous steps if triggers or negative feelings surface.
A person may search for alcohol and drug treatment centers while preparing for change.
Stage 4: Action
The person shows the ability to change and has made positive changes during the action stage.
Long-term abstinence and intent to seek medical help before or after relapse are keys to this stage. It won’t only be a matter of ending the adverse conduct; several sides of their lives will also change.
In this stage of treatment, self-care and self-awareness are present. But counseling is necessary to keep you on the right track.
For those with substance use disorders (SUD), a few therapy modalities include:
Detox
The initial days of sobriety can be tricky. You can have withdrawal signs or a bad hangover. Depending on the level of abuse, you need medical detox. Whenever in doubt, get a professional opinion.
Medical detox is the first step of recovery, which aims to remove toxins from your body. When you stop using drugs or alcohol, it safely treats withdrawal symptoms. Everyone’s experience with detox is unique. It depends on the medication used and the abuse duration.
Inpatient Care
Living at the facility where you receive treatment is part of inpatient care. You may focus on your recovery without interruptions. Rehab centers remove you from situations that may have added to your drug use. You receive 24/7 medical care under the supervision of expert doctors.
Outpatient Care
This kind of therapy entails weekly appointments for addiction counseling. Intensive outpatient therapy and partial hospitalization are two additional forms of outpatient care. The programs entail going to a treatment facility for more formal addiction treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
People in dual diagnosis programs battling SUD and mental illness problems receive care using an integrated treatment plan.
Stage 5: Maintenance
The person puts a lot of effort into avoiding relapse during this stage. People continue to maintain the lifestyle changes they made, including:
- Visiting support groups
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Remaining sober
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene
People believe they will be able to sustain sobriety over a long time. It is because they don’t feel the need to relapse as frequently as those in the action stage.
The stage can last anywhere between six months and five years. It depends on the level of drug abuse. A small percentage of persons need six months of abstinence before stopping engaging in their addictive habit.
Manage Cravings
Making a conscious effort to avoid the people and places that set off your cravings is one of the best ways to control them. To manage your drug and alcohol cravings and lessen triggers, you should ideally follow these steps:
- Keep your former drug or alcohol friends at a distance
- Avoid going to bars and clubs where there is a lot of drug and alcohol usage
- When discussing your health with doctors, be open and honest about your history
- When taking prescription drugs from your doctor, use caution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the process of recovery?
Healing is a process in which people work to feel their full potential and improve their wellness. Some key areas that support a life in recovery are:Health: You are handling your disease, such as abstaining from alcohol and other drugs if you have a drug addiction problem. Everyone must make positive and healthy decisions for long-lasting results.
Home: A secure and reliable place to modify your routine. An addiction-free setting is vital in the recovery process.
Purpose: It includes a positive approach toward life. You have a reason to perform daily life tasks while taking care of your family members.
What are the scariest parts of drug addiction recovery?
The early weeks of your addiction rehab may be tricky because getting sober is not easy. But, it is the finest option you can use. People thinking about quitting have a lot of queries about the healing process. The fear of the unknown keeps them in the risky cycle of addiction.The scariest parts of healing may include withdrawal signs, too much free time, losing old friends, and spending too much money. But getting sober and clean doesn’t have to be a scary process.
What does it mean to be in addiction recovery?
The process of recovery begins when a person decides to beat an addiction. A person deciding on therapy and rehab chooses to move in life. Healing does not imply that your addiction is no more in your system.Recovery shows that you are going toward effectively controlling your addiction and taking back control of your life. It’s good for you if you avoid relapse after treatment. You are in recovery for the rest of your life after recovering from your addiction and other issues.
The Haven Detox-New England Supports Recovery
Addiction recovery is a life-long and painful process. It takes pledges and changes in many areas of your life for alcohol therapy and recovery to be successful. People with co-occurring disorders can learn about the rewards of healing by visiting a rehab center.
Rehab facilities offer all necessary services, including detox and inpatient care. The Haven Detox-New England rehab center is there for you. It’s simple to start down the road to recovery, and you can do it.
Call us today to talk with an expert about our drug and alcohol rehab plans: (844) 933-4145