How to Stay in Addiction Recovery 9 Tips For Long-term Recovery
Also, without a place to put and store knowledge and skills, institutional memory is permanently lost when recovery workers burn out, retire, or leave the profession. In summary, ongoing therapies and support systems are vital in the recovery journey, equipping individuals with tools to maintain their sobriety and face daily challenges head-on. Managing severe withdrawal symptoms is a top priority during detoxification. Medical supervision is essential to monitor and treat these symptoms effectively, using medication-assisted treatments to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
By focusing on individual preferences and goals, tailored aftercare can significantly reduce relapse rates, which are alarmingly high within the first year of recovery. The support of peers, family and friends was also cited as an important factor in recovery, replicating findings from a handful of studies of long-term recovery (e.g., Margolis, et al., 2000; Rychtarik et al., 1987). As previously discussed, recovery is a dynamic process that makes changing demands over time in terms of coping strategies and can thus be stressful. Social support has several benefits that may contribute to the recovery process over time.
Further, 12-step groups often engage members more intensely and for longer periods than do professional treatment programs (Humphreys et al., 1999). Unlike visits to a treatment program, affiliation with 12-step groups, when it develops, “is often measured in hundred of meetings and spread over years” (Vaillant, 1995, p. 257; also see Humphreys et al., 1997). All members of the current sample had attended 12-step groups and most still did. In addition, this sample demonstrated other affiliative activities identified as beneficial to the recovery process, such as having a sponsor and sponsoring others (e.g., Caldwell and Cutter, 1998).
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- Many times, these symptoms can increase the desire to use the substance again, just to relieve withdrawals.
- What’s more, many individuals who cycle in and out of recovery have various health problems, such as chronic pain or mental illness, that can affect recovery progress.
- Inpatient detox provides a structured environment where individuals receive 24/7 medical support.
- Moreover, aftercare offers educational resources about addiction, which builds motivation and awareness.
- Learning about the science of addiction, relapse prevention techniques, and coping strategies can empower you to make informed decisions and stay committed to recovery.
Right now, with each agency working independently, the processes are tested on communities in their most vulnerable states – after the worst has occurred. Wildfire often destroys and damages housing in rural, remote communities where there is limited to no infrastructure to support dense, multi-family housing. Numerous families are still feeling the effects and seeking help after Hurricane Helene, and the Avery County Long Term Recovery Group is working to provide resources and a helping hand. Talk to someone who has been a transplant or CAR T-cell patient or their caregiver. This section of the website will provide you with information about how to protect your health after transplant and describe some potential side effects that can arise months or even years after the transplant. ENLA represents a network of nonprofits that enhances and supports the recovery of communities after an emergency incident.
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It also details the ways that federal- and state-run programs fall short in meeting community needs on the heels of disaster. Katie sat down with SIL’s Director of Innovation and Partnerships Hana Passen to talk through what the fellowship helped her realize. The structured routines established through ongoing support systems empower individuals to replace harmful habits with positive lifestyles. Overall, a well-structured aftercare plan incorporates multiple support layers to intensify recovery success and prevent relapse.
By clearing the body of addictive substances, it lays the groundwork for comprehensive treatments that address both the physiological and psychological facets of addiction. Through structured programs and professional support, individuals are not only equipped to handle withdrawal symptoms but are also prepared for the next stages of healing. Findings from this study, examining correlates of long-term recovery, suggest that several factors previously identified as predictors of short-term abstinence appear to be beneficial to long-term recovery as well. Results point to the importance of motivational constructs (especially consequences of drug use) and of social and community resources in maintaining recovery. Clients in treatment are often ambivalent about quitting substance use (e.g., Miller, 1996), especially early on.
Engaging in structured aftercare programs significantly reduces the risk of relapse, promoting sustained sobriety. Counselors and therapists play an integral role in detox programs by providing emotional support and addressing underlying psychological issues. Their involvement is essential for navigating feelings of anxiety and depression that may arise during withdrawal. Therapeutic interventions, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, can aid individuals in understanding the emotional aspects of their addiction, facilitating a smoother transition into ongoing treatment. Each detox program is customized based on the type of substance abused, the duration of usage, and the individual’s overall health profile.
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Even people with severe and chronic substance use disorders can, with help, overcome their illness and regain health and social function. Being in recovery is when those positive changes and values become part of a voluntarily adopted lifestyle. Learning to manage stress in new ways while developing healthier coping skills can be tough, especially early on. However, counselors or therapists can help you tackle the root of mental health issues and address trauma without falling back into substance abuse. Developing a strong support system can majorly increase your likelihood of recovering successfully.
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Once you have found success in your remission and are substance-free, you can begin recovery by adding the skills and behaviors you learned during remission to your daily life. For people who have long-term struggles with addiction, have been in treatment before, relapsed, or have co-occurring mental health conditions, long-term rehab may be beneficial. Healthy habits can include eating a healthy and balanced diet or going for a mid-morning run, which can boost your energy and mood. Incorporating practices like yoga and meditation can also help manage stress and maintain mental clarity.
I wanted to write this post not only to remind myself of these potential pitfalls but also to help others on a similar path to avoid them. Early recovery is often fraught with interpersonal difficulties that should stabilize as our lives and emotions do. If this is the case, it’s important to engage in the work of building values, beliefs, and habits that support healthy, harmonious relationships.
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Tailored Recovery Plans
Professional treatment offers the necessary structure and support to address these issues comprehensively. Many folks who struggle with substance use also struggle with finding and maintaining healthy relationships. Interpersonal struggles can wreak havoc on all areas of our lives, so it’s critical that we learn the skills to keep our relationships healthy. An aftercare plan is a structured strategy designed to support individuals recovering from addiction after they complete formal treatment.
- Recovery isn’t just about sobriety; it is about discovering yourself and all you are capable of when free from drug or alcohol addiction.
- A treatment program can guide you through the most challenging parts of early recovery, including withdrawals, cravings, and more, and establish a plan for reaching long-term recovery.
- Short-term treatment programs often last less than three months but can be relatively intensive during the program.
- In the past few decades, science has brought us effective behavioral and medication addiction treatments as well as lifesaving treatments that revive people from overdose and give them a chance to seek lasting recovery.
- This oversight helps manage discomfort and reduces the risk of serious health complications, ensuring a safer recovery process.
- This guide outlines five key long-term recovery strategies, providing practical steps, insights, and resources to help you create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your recovery milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress reinforces your commitment and boosts your self-esteem. As can be seen in Table 1, substance use history was extensive, beginning in adolescence and lasting, on average, 20 years. Although 71% reported alcohol as their primary substance, all but one participant had been polysubstance users. Five things that can help achieve and maintain long-term recovery are as follows.
Medications such as benzodiazepines may be administered to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Additionally, creating a structured environment helps minimize triggers that could cause relapse, focusing on the individual’s unique needs during this vulnerable time. While you can create a basic plan on your own, it’s highly recommended to seek guidance from addiction and mental health professionals to develop a comprehensive and effective long-term recovery plan. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and thinking about alcohol or drug treatment, it’s important to speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options and other co-occurring conditions, if you have them. Medical professionals can provide a diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD) and help you determine if long-term rehab is right for you.
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