Your addiction recovery is unique. In fact, even detox and rehab experiences differ from person-to-person. Certain recovery steps for your individual needs provide lasting sobriety from drugs or alcohol. There are many factors that determine your personal recovery path. These include your adherence to your program, physical health, mental health, support strength, and lifestyle choices.
Your personal recovery is incomparable. You can only measure your own successes, setbacks, and commitment to sobriety. However, there are certain stages of recovery that everyone experiences.
Would you like to learn more about how an addiction treatment program can help, call us today at 866.957.7885.
Addiction recovery is, essentially, remaining sober. While there are many nuances to recovery, your treatment plan won’t be simple to define. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, are self-directed, and strive to reach their full potential.
Additionally, SAMHSA states there are four signs of recovery which include:
Opinions vary on the specific stages of recovery. Some organizations believe there are only three stages of addiction recovery. However, others claim there are six. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the three stages of recovery include early abstinence, maintaining abstinence, and advanced recovery.
It’s important to understand that recovery is a process. It takes time, effort, and energy. You have to really want recovery for it to work.
Despite all of this, there are some universal steps for those seeking recovery from drugs or alcohol. The first of these is a desire to get clean. While recovery is achievable if you’re forced into a treatment program, having the solid motivation to get better increases your success rate. Being determined to get sober and stay drug-free often leads to extended recovery.
The next universal step is usually detox. If you’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol for an extended period, your body will physically and psychologically adjust to substance levels. Detox cleanses the drug's toxins from the body. It also helps psychological functioning return to normal.
The third step to recovery is intensive drug or alcohol treatment. While detox cleanses the body, recovery teaches you how to stay clean. In rehab therapy, you’ll learn how to avoid relapse, build positive coping skills, repair relationships, communicate better, and live a life that ultimately leads to your happiness.
Mental health is an important factor in addiction recovery. If you have a mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression, these conditions need to be addressed before you can become abstinent from substances. The presence of underlying mental health issues can make addiction more difficult to treat and can interfere with the progress of recovery. Dual diagnosis treatment is the answer when other mental health disorders are present.
A strong support system is essential for a successful recovery from addiction. Having family and friends who are willing to help you through the process and provide emotional and practical support can give you the strength you need to stay on track with your recovery goals. Joining a recovery group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can also provide you with a supportive network of peers who are on the same journey.
In some cases, medications such as naltrexone and buprenorphine can be prescribed to reduce cravings for substances or reduce the risk of overdose in people who are abstinent but still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These medications should be used in combination with other forms of treatment.
Your environment plays a major role in your recovery journey. It’s important to be in an environment that is conducive to sobriety, such as a sober living home or support group where you can find the help and encouragement you need from other people on their own paths of recovery. Making lifestyle changes to avoid triggers and high-risk situations can also help you stay on track with your goals.
San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas follows the 12-step philosophy for heroin and alcohol treatment. SARC combines accurate diagnosis, advanced methods of treatment, supportive guidance, and a therapeutic environment to help you reach successful recovery. Your recovery begins with comfort and safety.
San Antonio Recovery Center provides individual treatment plans based on your specific needs. Available programs include:
Life begins again when you admit you need help. It’s never too late to prioritize your happiness. Treatment at SARC is affordable and helps you meet your individual recovery needs. If you or a loved one is ready to make the first step, call San Antonio Recovery Center now at 866.957.7885.
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