How to Start Addiction Recovery

There are different ways to start addiction recovery. Sometimes the law starts it for you through an arrest, conviction and sentencing. It is not uncommon for a judge to order drug offenders to attend a treatment center or drug court, which is essentially a strict, government-sponsored drug rehab program. This is especially common with first- and second-time drug offenders.

Sometimes a family member intervenes, calling law enforcement to take out an arrest warrant for their loved one because of stolen property. Often, a drug addict will rob their closest friends and family members to finance the next high. This can lead to court-mandated or family-mandated rehabilitation treatment.

No matter the path, addiction recovery is by no means a quick fix. Addiction recovery takes a long time and, to ensure success, the recovering addict ultimately has to consciously make up their mind that this is important and worthwhile. It is a battle of wills each and every day, for the remainder of the recovering addict’s life.

In the past, confrontation has been the primary mode for family and friends to encourage a loved one to start the addiction recovery process. These “interventions” are no longer the only option – there are even other alternatives than mandating addiction recovery participation.

There are now several community programs available to help with encouraging loved ones to start addiction recovery relatively peacefully. The most important aspect is that the patient go through detox to remove drugs from their system. Then they can start the addiction recovery process with a relatively clear head and – hopefully – an open mind.

The first step in addiction recovery is recognizing that you have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs. For most addicts, this first step is also the most difficult to make. Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. When you become addicted to a substance, your brain actually changes. Someone who abuses drugs and/or alcohol likes the way these substances make them feel, regardless of the consequences. The abuser continues to use the substance despite the effect that it may have on their life. You may find that your friends and family members ignore you or constantly ride you about your substance abuse. You may find that things that were once terribly important to you now take a backseat to your drug/alcohol use. You may find that your job is in jeopardy as a result of your addiction. You may feel as if you have lost total control of your life and that everything is spiraling out of control. You may think that there is no way out, but there is. Once you can admit to your addiction, your recovery process can begin.

There are many different treatment options for those with an addiction.  Treatment can include counseling, medication, or both.  You and your doctor and/or a treatment specialist can work together to find an option that will best meet your needs.

The first step in breaking the addiction cycle is to understand that you do have control over what you do.  You can't control all the things that happen in your life or most of what other people do, but you do have control over your own reactions.  You do have control over your addiction and you can make a full recovery.  It will be a long, slow, difficult process but it can be done.  It may take a number of attempts before you can remain free of drugs and alcohol, but it’s important that you never stop quitting.

Most addiction recovery plans include detoxification, treatment, and extended care.  If the person suffering from an addiction is in denial, an intervention may also be required. 

Detoxification is the process of clearing toxins from the body, neutralizing them or transforming them.  These toxins come from drug use, alcohol use, our diet, and environmental exposures.  Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the intake of toxins and improve elimination.  Avoidance of chemicals and drugs minimize the toxin load.  Drinking extra water and increasing fiber are also steps in the detoxification process.  Some methods even utilize the sauna method whereby the individual sits in the sauna in order to “sweat out” the toxins.  These detoxification techniques are conducted in a medical facility and are supervised by addiction recovery professionals and or medical professionals.

Treatment methods for addiction recovery may include individual counseling, group counseling and a 12-step program.  Treatment may be conducted in a drug/alcohol rehabilitation center and/or a medical facility (such as a hospital).  Treatment may be inpatient, whereby the individual would temporarily live in the treatment setting, or outpatient, whereby the individual would attend a day program or evening classes to address their addiction issues.  Programs may be intensive or more laid back depending on the nature of the abuse and the substance being abused.

Extended care provides additional recovery assistance outside of the medical facility and or treatment center.  Extended care may include 12-step program meetings and or ongoing counseling sessions for you and your family/loved ones.  Extended care may also include being assigned a sponsor to help you in your recovery.  This sponsor will stand by you every step of the way on your road to recovery.  They have usually “been there and done that” and will go to any length to help you succeed in your recovery.  Extended care support is critical in your recovery and will most likely be a necessary requirement for the rest of your life if you are going to be successful at your recovery.

Addiction Recovery Articles

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