Recovery – The Basics

In addition to substances, addiction can affect individuals with a dependency to various behaviors, such as shopping, gambling, or even sex. In order to achieve a successful recovery, addicts must first address both factors of addiction’s dual faceted nature. In this entry, we will run through a few common addiction recovery basics.

Rehabilitation

Perhaps the most important aspect in any one recovery is locating a proper recovery program to address the addiction. By making the decision to seek out professional aid, addicts stand a much higher chance of success in the long road to recovery, happiness, and personal fulfillment.

Withdrawal

When an individual is physically dependent to a drug, a withdrawal process will take place once availability is diminished. The severity of the withdrawal process ultimately depends on the use history, type of substance, and the condition of the individual themselves.

Detox

Detoxification refers to the period of time where an individual’s body is learning to cope without the aid of the addictive substance. Detox periods vary, but will commonly last between 3 – 10 days. Patients who are admitted to addiction recovery programs will commonly be offered 24 hour medical supervision to help ensure a safe and healthy transition.

Common withdrawal symptoms can include: 

Nausea

Vomiting

Body Aches

Hallucinations

Depression

Breathing Difficulties 

Meds

In some cases, the withdrawal and detoxification periods can be severe enough that physicians offer addicts medication to help smooth the transition into sobriety. These medications work to calm the individual, while relieving many of the withdrawal symptoms listed above.

Medication is also used to address dual diagnosis mental disorders, as commonly seen in recovery settings. Because many addicts use drugs to self-medicate, it’s not uncommon to find patients with a need for proper diagnosis in the area of mental psychosis.

Therapy

Individual and group therapy is often utilized as a way to help patients work through their recovery. In this way, addicts are better able to address and recognize problem situations and behaviors that may lead them to relapse.

Support Groups

Support groups and 12 step recovery programs serve to benefit the rehabilitation process by way of addressing the continued mental struggles associated with addiction. These organizations offer individuals a safe, non-judgmental arena to share their struggles, triumphs, and stories, while working as a open network to those seeking a sober peace of mind.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is ready for a change, our Above It All addiction counselors are on hand to take your call. Pick up the phone today, and find out how Above It All can help you on the road towards clarity, happi

Fear and Seeking Alcohol Addiction Help

As the AA book says “Fear is an evil, corroding thread; the fabric of our lives is shot through with it.” Fear is obviously a bar to reason, and to love, and of course it invariably powers anger, vainglory, and aggression. It underlies maudlin guilt and paralyzing depression. President Roosevelt once made the significant remark that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”- pg. 265 from The Language of the Heart

When we are first getting sober or even before we receive alcohol addiction help we are often times full of fear surrounding many different aspects of sobriety. Some of us may be fearful of the idea of getting sober while others may be afraid of the process whether it involves a 30 day rehab program, AA, or a drug addiction detox. The thing about fear is that while it may protect us from potentially dangerous positions it can also keep us from positive things and situations in our life as well. Fear can be healthy if it aids in keeping you out of harm’s way. For example when we first get sober some of us may decide not to go into bars for a while…this is an example of a healthy fear of alcohol. However If our fears keep us from doing things like getting sober then it is an unhealthy and destructive fear. The fact is that we didn’t get sober to live in fear. Sure it’s going to crop up from time to time and that’s fine. What matters most aren’t so much the feelings surrounding the situations in your life but rather what you do with those feelings.