When you have a substance abuse disorder, getting help for addiction is crucial if you want to change your life. But, if you don’t follow the proper steps in the process, you risk relapsing and not achieving the lasting recovery you may so desperately want.
The problem is that many assume that once they admit they need help and go through detox, the process is over, and they can go on and live their lives. But much more is needed to make the recovery period successful.
From recognizing “I need help” to therapy and coping skills, we’re going to take a look at the steps to achieve long-term recovery and how treatment at Clear Life Recovery can help.
Continued after video:
“I Need Help.” The First Step in Getting Help for Addiction
Before any programs at a treatment center can begin, you have to admit that you need help for a problem with drugs or alcohol. Saying the three little words, “I need help,” is the first step on the road to recovery. This is often the hardest part because many people who have a substance abuse disorder don’t immediately recognize that they have a problem.
Some of the signs of addiction include: 1
- Bloodshot eyes
- Memory loss
- Slurred Speech
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Poor work performance/not showing up for work
- Depression
- Aggression
- Mood Swings
These can all indicate someone is addicted to drugs and alcohol and should seek treatment. But each person must identify the problem within themselves and realize they need help to begin the recovery process.
Starting the Addiction Recovery Process
While admitting you need help is an important part of the process, many follow one model of change known as the transtheoretical model when it comes to altering behavior such as addiction.2 This involves five steps that transition people from figuring out they have a problem to taking action to overcome it and being successful.3
Awareness
Awareness of a problem is vital to realizing you need help. Sometimes this is the result of a crisis event that makes it clearly evident that there is a problem. This can be a car accident or another tragedy that “wakes someone up” to the issue.
Consideration
Once someone is aware of a problem, they start considering how to fix it. During this stage, they may not be ready to go to a treatment center to get help, but they are getting there.
Exploration
During the exploration phase, people with an addiction are getting ready to take action to get help. This can include talking to friends and family and possibly getting help for addiction at a treatment center. During this stage, many also start setting goals that motivate them to change their behavior. This stage can take time as some people are ready to start taking control of their lives, while others need more time to sort it out. Whatever the case, this is an important part of the process.
Early Recovery
At this point, a person enters an inpatient treatment facility or seeks outpatient care. They determine what type of treatment is best for them. Professionals like the ones at Clear Life Recovery work with each person to develop a customized treatment plan. It’s important to realize that since everyone’s addiction is different, their path to sobriety will also be different. Recovery is not a “one size fits all” model. It takes tweaking and some trial and error to finalize the plan that will achieve the most success.
Patients often need to undergo a detox program to remove the addictive substance from their bodies. This is best done under medical supervision because withdrawal symptoms can be difficult for people to deal with on their own.
Detox withdrawal symptoms can include:4
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Hot and Cold Flashes
People who attempt to detox without medical supervision are often more likely to relapse, which is another reason why seeking professional help is important.
Once detox is complete, therapy often begins so that a person can better understand their addiction and what lead to it. Different types of therapy may be tried to get the best outcome.
Active Recovery and Maintenance
The recovery process is not over once someone stops taking the addictive substance and attends a few therapy sessions. It is an ongoing process that requires maintenance to avoid relapse. This can include continuing therapy sessions as well as finding new interests and social circles. One of the worst things someone can do is return to the settings and people that led to their addiction. Often during treatment, people meet others going through the same experiences and can bond with them and move forward.
Having a support system in place is also vital when getting help for addiction. These people can help you get back on track when you feel as though you are veering off your path to recovery. Having an action plan that includes a support system and new interests is important to remain sober.
Treatment to Help Overcome an Addiction
As was mentioned above, getting the right treatment to overcome addiction is vital to maintaining sobriety. There are a variety of treatments available, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured form of talk therapy that focuses on solving current problems. It also teaches how to change flawed behaviors and thought patterns.
12-Step Program
Many people benefit from a 12-step treatment program that helps them overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol. The basic foundation is that people who are going through the same issues help one another. They work together to support each other and help them remain sober.
Holistic Addiction Therapy
During holistic addiction therapy, attention is given to a person’s mind, body, and soul. Holistic treatment can include physical activities such as walking or biking. It can also include music and art.
Life Skills Training
Some programs also incorporate life skills training. These give people the skills they need to maintain a schedule, hold a job, and rebuild relationships. This type of training is important for people to remain sober and deal with life after a treatment center.
Treatment to overcome addiction can include one or several of these types of treatments as well as other methods. The goal is to find the right plan for each individual to live a sober life.
Getting Help for Addiction at Clear Life Recovery
At Clear Life Recovery, we help people on the journey to sobriety. From supervised medical detox to various therapy programs, our team is here to help. We help you get sober and teach you the skills necessary to remain sober.
Our team understands that each person needs their own plan for success. This is why we work to get to know each client and develop a tailored treatment plan. For more information on our programs, call us today or fill out our online form to contact us. Let us help you live the sober life you deserve.
Sources:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/recognizing-addiction#health-signs
[2[ https://www.verywellmind.com/overcoming-addiction-4157285
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/transtheoretical-model
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
