THE CLIMB: NOVEMBER
5 easy ways to start your recovery journey today
When it comes to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery, the journey and process will be unique to the individual. A SUD is a medical condition that can be treated successfully, and recovery can be supported through proper education, tools, and other support services. Dr. Michael Hamrock, Power Forward Massachusetts resident addiction specialist,, discusses that the treatment plan is “a multifaceted approach, there is not just one approach that treats addiction.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “even people with severe and chronic substance use disorders can, with help, overcome their illness and regain health and social function.” There is no one size fits all path to living in recovery. There are several factors that determine if a person is going to be successful after the first, fifth, or tenth time. Regardless of where you are at in the process, here are some tips that have been proven to help with day-to-day success.
ONE: Time does matter
According to the Recovery Research Institute, the earlier that a substance use disorder is detected and treated, the more likely someone is to be successful in their recovery journey. Not only is the time that it takes to start one’s recovery process imperative, but the duration of recovery interventions and treatment is crucial as well. NIDA reported that, “research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment” (2018). The treatment timeline is not something to rush, and cannot be approached as a ‘one size fits all’ solution. With research indicating that long-term treatments are the key to the best recovery outcomes, the need for integrating sober living programs and sober communities has become increasingly more clear to support the success of recovery for these individuals. This long-term process typically includes a detoxification, leading to inpatient rehabilitation, and eventually transitioning to sober living with outpatient treatment. If we are able to focus on implementing more long-term recovery treatment options and facilities in our communities, we are more likely to achieve positive outcomes for those in recovery.
TWO: Evaluate your environment
An important thing to consider and understand is that one’s environment does play a role in substance use disorder development and a successful recovery process. According to NIDA (2018), “some individuals are more vulnerable than others to becoming addicted, depending on the interplay between genetic makeup, age of exposure to drugs, and other environmental influences.” When it comes to implementing a treatment plan, assessing an individual's specific environment before and during treatment is crucial- considering factors such as family, friends, lifestyle, workplace, and other day-to-day activities. Based on these factors, an individual’s treatment plan will need to be unique and continually modified over time to adjust to one’s ever-changing environment.
THREE: Educate yourself about your brain
It is critical to be informed about the effects that this disease has on the brain. The brain’s structure is permanently altered as a result of the misuse of drugs and/or alcohol; this is likely the reason that those with SUDs are more likely to relapse even after long periods of sobriety. Additionally, many individuals with SUDs tend to also suffer from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These factors can contribute to a cycle of long term sobriety and relapse from using to self medicate the mental health disorder. When implementing a treatment plan, it is important to evaluate and treat other possible conditions that may be co-occurring. This does not mean that recovery is impossible, it just means that different tools, methods, and understanding need to be applied. Compassion and empathy are pivotal in supporting someone on their way to success.
FOUR: Don’t do it alone
The people around you matter - in every aspect of life. Recovery can oftentimes feel like a lonely, up-hill battle. Because of this, group therapy interventions and peer support programs can help individuals maintain abstinence from drug and alcohol use. According to NIDA, “behavioral therapies—including individual, family, or group counseling—are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.” It is amazingly significant how the relationships that you cultivate and maintain can determine and influence your rate of success in the road to recovery.
A recent study found that participants in long-term recovery from SUDs described the most helpful resource for initiating abstinence was, “recognition by a peer or a caring relationship with a service provider or sibling,” (PubMed, 2019). Successful recovery is influenced by maintaining positive relationships and protecting oneself from negative ones. It is clear that in designing treatment plans, the involvement of social networks and prioritizing individualistic needs is crucial to creating positive outcomes.
FIVE: Keep learning and trying new things
Individuals suffering from SUDs should be encouraged to stay informed and aware of the increasingly innovative research methods and techniques around treatment options towards recovery. Some of these newer methods include joining a sober living community, recovery-specific cafes or clubhouses, creative arts programs, fitness centers, or other outreach programs. Not only is this a great way to stay informed on progressive recovery methods, it is a wonderful opportunity to expand and grow your friend group and sense of community. Individuals with SUDs have a greater chance of success in returning as a productive member of their family, workplace, and community when their treatment services are better tailored to their particular needs or environment that they feel best in. These opportunities can help you create more positive relationships around you to help support and influence your continued success.
Power Forward Utah understands that recovery is a process. This process is not a straight line for many. It has valleys and mountains and it twists and turns. Relapses are a part of that recovery. Power Forward Utah strives to meet each individual wherever they are in their recovery journey with end-to-end solutions and support. You can help us change the life of an individual in our community working toward recovery by donating. Help someone along their road to recovery today.
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