Addiction is a chronic disorder that can cause physical and mental damage. Although it’s challenging to treat, many people recover from this disease. According to SAMHSA, about 8.1% of Americans need regular treatment for substance use disorder.
The recovery pace may differ from one individual to another, but the process is typically the same. It consists of different stages that each individual with SUD must pass through to attain long-term sobriety. This post discusses addiction recovery and the various stages.
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Recovering from Addiction
Everyone’s recovery journey differs, but one thing remains true – it’s never short-term. Addiction itself is severely damaging and can rob you of the good things you had and once enjoyed. Your relationship, work, and job are ultimately affected. The longer the individual stays without treatment, the more complicated the recovery.
Some individuals may require less time to recover from addiction than others. This boils down to several factors, such as;
Motivation: The individual’s willingness to change and live an addiction-free life will significantly impact their recovery process. Additionally, the individual’s commitment and discipline to maintain a healthy lifestyle can accelerate recovery.
Adequate support: Some individuals have a stronger support system than others. Those with adequate support from friends, families, and support groups will have lasting recovery. Having a strong network can provide encouragement and accountability during recovery.
Access and quality of treatment: The availability and quality of treatment programs can impact addiction recovery. Poorly tailored treatment services can hinder recovery and may even worsen addiction symptoms.
Presence of co-occurring mental health issues: Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, alongside alcohol problems, can prolong recovery.
Environmental factors: Living in a toxic environment can influence the chances of relapsing. Exposure to high-stress levels, triggers, and substances can prolong your recovery. This is common with patients undergoing outpatient programs.
Genetic factors: Certain genetic factors in a family’s bloodline may affect one’s response to treatment.
Relapse history: An individual with a history of previous lapses may have a prolonged recovery. This highlights the need for personalized relapse prevention strategies.
Stages of Addiction Recovery
The road back from addiction is typically long. Still, you can finally bid goodbye to your old lifestyle with adequate support. As stated, addiction recovery involves many stages, each of which must be completed. It may differ from one person to the other depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, the stages of addiction recovery are as follows;
Recognition and Acceptance
The first stage of addiction recovery is acknowledging and accepting your addiction problem. It involves understanding the effects of addiction on your life and acknowledging therapy as a way to change. By acknowledging how addiction disrupted the quality of your life, you’re admitting your readiness to change and live healthier.
Detoxification
Detoxification is usually the first step in treating some substance use disorders. It involves flushing the substance from your body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Medications, such as buprenorphine and disulfiram, are sometimes administered to the patient to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine manages opioids withdrawals, while disulfiram relieves alcohol addiction and depression.
To manage opiate cravings, an electronic device known as the NSS-2 Bridge was introduced in 2017. The device is worn behind the ear and produces certain electrical pulses to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification requires strict professional supervision and support to avoid relapse.
Therapy
Therapy usually follows detoxification. This phase focuses on addressing the behavioral and mental aspects of addiction. It might occur on an individual, group, or family basis, depending on the severity of the condition and the person’s needs. Therapy is usually intensive initially, but sessions decrease as symptoms improve.
Different types of therapy include; cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, counseling, and motivational interviewing. It may include support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery. Some facilities include educational programs to teach coping skills to the individual to maintain sobriety.
Aftercare
Once therapy and the rehab process are complete, aftercare is the next stage. This phase is essential to the person’s lasting recovery. It includes ongoing support, therapy, and self-care practices. Aftercare programs ensure the individual maintains an addiction-free lifestyle, continues to grow personally, and focuses on their new life.
CFC Recovery Specializes in Addiction Treatment
The road back from addiction is lifelong, and individuals may have to move back and forth. There will be challenges, but nothing that you can’t manage. With the right support, you can attain recovery within the shortest time.
CFC Recovery can help you get your life back. Our team of experienced addiction specialists provides clients with the full continuum of care.
Contact us today to learn more about our relapse prevention program.
