Addiction Recovery

Addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, nicotine, sex or other substances and behaviors is a form of bondage holding its prisoner's mind and body hostage. Recovery is the addict's answer to a personal cry for help and a manifestation of his or her will to break the chains of addiction. After losing their sense of direction and finding themselves psychologically-shipwrecked somewhere along life's shores, substance abusers must learn to ask for help. They must then be ready and willing to follow a structured, progressive plan for addiction recovery. By exercising willpower and demonstrating the courage to confront the truth as well as the discipline to complete a methodical recovery program, addicts improve their prospects for a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life. While the road to recovery may be long and winding for some chemically-dependent individuals, the destination of sobriety and clean living is within reach for all addicts. Through self-healing, sober-minded individuals can also heal their relationship to society and loved ones. Regardless of which substance abuse or drug recovery program the addict chooses to initiate a long-term cure, the cornerstone of success is his or her admission of a problem.

2. Seeking help

There are numerous avenues for obtaining support and guidance, such as a 12 step program, a drug & alcohol rehabilitation program (including our Treatment4Addiction Center), and individual counseling.

3. Completing a detoxification program

The next step involves checking into a detox rehabilitation center for the purpose of ensuring a safe and thorough withdrawal from the substance in question.

4. Entering and engaging in addiction recovery program

The addict may need to continue treatment in a residential, outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation center, depending on his or her overall temperament and age, as well as the duration and severity of his or her addiction.

5. Maintaining sobriety

For many recovering substance abusers, staying sober is a lifelong process. To help them cope with personal issues and keep them on the right track, they may choose to avail themselves of the following types of aid: (1) a 12 step program or alternative 12-step program, (2) psychological support and transportation from friends and family, (3) employee assistance, (4) individual or group therapy; (5) legal assistance, and/or (6) medical and psychological services. Some addicts choose to help others through advocacy and activism, as well as through non-profit organizations.

The key is to recognize and manage the warning signs before they degenerate into a using incident. Through relapse prevention therapy, addicts learn to become cognizant of the symptoms and triggers that tempt them back to their substance of choice. Common triggers include associating with other substance abusers, entering a bar, looking at a particular photograph, or smelling a certain odor.

To ensure progress along the path to sobriety, addicts should (1) choose healthy and positive substitutes for their problematic substance, (2) form a wholesome support group, and (3) avoid or reduce contact with enablers and toxic individuals. The substitutes chosen to replace the object of craving will vary from one addict to the next. Addicts are also encouraged to take stock of the consequences of relapse and may receive training in thought-stopping. Some effective strategies for preventing or derailing relapse and refocusing energy on a constructive activity include the following:

Channeling self-destructive energy into yoga, meditation, and exercise

Consuming products containing sugar or caffeine

Engaging in religious activities and prayer

Working in the yard

Speaking to a friend, therapist or sponsor when 'permission thoughts' emerge

Strengthening communication and interpersonal skills with the help of a therapist

Seeking individual or group counseling

Joining support groups or a 12 step recovery group such as Alcoholics Anonymous

1. 12 step program

The vast majority of drug and alcohol rehab centers throughout the U.S. integrate portions of the 12 step program into their therapeutic modules. Initially intended for alcoholics in recovery (Alcoholics Anonymous), this program has since become the foundation for other 12 step recovery groups such as (1) Narcotics Anonymous, (2) Sexual Compulsives Anonymous, (3) Pills Anonymous (for prescription pill addicts), (4) Marijuana Anonymous, (5) Gamblers Anonymous, (6) Cocaine Anonymous, (7) Methadone Anonymous, and 6) Nicotine Addiction Anonymous. The 12-step program centers on spiritual awakening principles that involve replacing egocentrism with moral awareness, selfless constructive behavior, and altruism. Some of the precepts incorporated into the 12 steps are as follows:

Recognizing the presence of a Higher power;

Reaching out to other addicts;

Living a new life by adopting a new behavioral code;

Making amends for past behavior; and

Analyzing substance abuse transgressions with a sponsor's help.

2. Alternative treatment programs

Addicts may instead opt for an alternative treatment program, whether religious-based, secular and rational, or online. Some of these programs adhere to the belief that drug and alcohol addiction is not a disease, and that addicts are not powerless over substance abuse. Individuals may choose from an extensive array of alternative programs, such as:

Meditation, Tai Chi, and yoga training

Holistic therapy

Alternative medicine

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Psychological counseling

Biofeedback

Life skills training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Self-esteem boosting skills

Motivation therapy

Medicinal Marijuana - Available online

3. Wellness coaching

Addicts may consult a wellness coach for guidance and recommendations concerning (1) management of health risks, (2) stress reduction, (3) fitness, (4) weight management, and (5) nutrition.

4. Self help

Self help measures are also available to sobriety-minded individuals, and these include:

Self help support groups;

Online resources such as recovery events, meeting locators, articles, online blogs and journals, internet discussion groups, and message boards;

Sobriety videos; and

Books on recovery.

Disclaimer: This Web site is designed for fun. We are not doctors and do not give medical advise. Before doing anything that might be weird or strange be sure and visit your doctor, shrink or priest to get their opinion first as they are experts and we are only writers. What do we know? nothing at all so whatever you read on this web site you must take with a pound of salt - that is understand that it's about humor and love and fun and not about medicine or healing or god.