Recovering from Addiction

Permanent recovery isn't just an ideal or hope - it is a proven fact for many thousands of Americans on a routine basis. However, there are millions more people struggling with addiction and the concept of being in recovery.

The majority of people are taught that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is incurable. What a gloomy outlook! Why would someone even try if they're basically told that they will fail? Telling someone they have an incurable disease and that they are the victim isn't going to solve anything. People need to be empowered and not believe that they're powerless. Personal responsibility has a lot to do with it. Sure, we all have very difficult situations in our lives, but blaming our continued drug use on those, especially when they are far behind in the past, won't solve the problem.

Addiction Recovery Consultants promotes the reality of being recovered from addiction.

What is Needed for a Successful Recovery?

Every individual battling substance abuse has his or her own unique problems and barriers, however, there are common points to address that include:

An effective rehabilitation program. This usually starts with a drug rehab center. We recommend facilities that are longer-term and that do not use drug replacement therapy. Full recovery doesn't come in the form of a pill. If it were that simple then we wouldn't have the high relapse rate that we see with these types of programs. There should has to be an educational/counseling component that helps individuals get to the root of their problems and find alternative solutions to them that don't create the desire to use more drugs. Something that enhances personal power of choice and responsibility is much more successful. Programs that also have a strong nutritional component that combines some form of detox diet or regimen has shown to improve recovery rates as well.

A thorough discharge plan and aftercare component. Transitioning from a treatment center back into everyday life requires good planning before leaving a rehab. All areas of life must be addressed for this to be effective. One has to look at repairing relationships, restoring responsibility, ensuring a supportive environment, contributing through work and a good group to associate with. This last part may be the most important. These groups can include activities such as sports and exercise, volunteering, church groups, a supportive family and friends, and of course a healthy work environment.

While these are vague descriptions, a good relapse prevention plan will go into much greater detail for each individual and include future goals and ambitions to work toward.