Substance abuse and addiction are scary situations to be in. Not only do they affect your physical health, but they also negatively impact your behavior and social life. But even though it may seem impossible, you can get over them.
However, you might think and feel that the recovery journey is scary, making you hesitate about getting help. It may seem daunting, especially if you don’t know what to do. But with the right people and methods, you can recover.
To help you understand the substance abuse recovery process, we’ve answered the most asked questions on the topic.
6 Substance Abuse Recovery FAQs
What are the most effective treatments for addiction?
Addiction treatments are different in the same way people and their addictions vary. There is no singular pill that “cures” you. What may work for one person may not be effective for another.
While no one can say what the best treatment for substance use disorders– or SUDs– is, some have proven to be more effective than others.
Detoxification
Medical detox is an element of the first part of most rehab programs. Here, you cleanse your system of the substance. You will also experience withdrawal symptoms at this stage, which may be uncomfortable and dangerous. So, detoxing in a safe environment with medical professionals is highly recommended.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is one of the most common therapies, but it’s also one of the most effective. CBT aims to help you recognize unhealthy and harmful behavior and guide you in changing it. During your sessions, your therapist will help you identify and change unhealthy behaviors and teach you how to handle triggers and develop coping mechanisms.
12-Step Facilitation
Commonly known as 12-step programs, 12-step facilitation is a type of group therapy. Here, your group will also work with a licensed therapist to help you on your road to recovery. The biggest factor in these types of programs is surrendering to a higher power.
The most significant advantage of 12-step programs is working with a group. You can learn from them, and they can learn from you. Plus, being surrounded by people with similar situations as yours makes you feel less alone. Because they understand what each person in the group is going through, you can be part of each other’s support system.
What are the reasons people don’t seek treatment?
Although they see that they need to get help, some addicts feel ambivalent about looking for recovery programs for substance abuse. Generally, this happens because:
- They don’t want to lose the “positive change” drugs give
- They can’t afford treatment
- Stigmas around addiction prevent them from asking for help
- They don’t know where to get treatment
- They think rehab will significantly affect their lives, like jobs and school
Why do people relapse?
Relapsing is a common occurrence in recovery. Studies found that more than 85% of recovering addicts relapse within the first year of treatment. But this doesn’t mean they failed. It may be a setback, but they can continue to progress.
Common reasons for relapse include:
Withdrawal
In the first phase of your treatment, you may experience withdrawal symptoms due to detoxing. Some people go back to using to prevent these symptoms. Also, cravings can make you use again.
Stress
Many people start using substances to deal with stress, like having a drink to unwind at the end of the day. So, when faced with a stressful situation, they may turn back to drinking or using to “help” them get through it.
People, Places, and Situations Associated With Their Addiction
One of the strongest triggers is things connected to your addiction. So meeting people, seeing places, and being in situations associated with your addiction may give you the urge to start using again.
What’s the best way to prevent a relapse?
While there is a possibility of relapse, there are some things you can do to prevent it.
Change your routine
Switching things up can help distance yourself from your “old life.” Also, starting a healthier diet and working out can make you feel good, preventing insomnia and fatigue– common triggers for relapse.
Mindfulness meditation
Meditating aligns your mind and body, which makes you more self-aware. And when you’re more self-aware, you can better identify and recognize triggers. Then, you’ll know how to manage and deal with them.
Surround yourself with a good support system
With your friends and family around you, you can feel their love and support. That then lessens your feelings to use. In addition to that, they can help you through your cravings and such.
What is the most important part of recovery?
There’s really no way to tell what the most important part of recovery is. Each phase is vital to your recovery and road to sobriety.
But having a solid and loving support system significantly helps you. They not only uplift you, especially during challenging times, but they can keep you in check and look out for you.
Are there important skills needed after recovery?
You’re usually left to your own devices when you’ve completed substance abuse recovery programs. It can be tricky to navigate life and remain sober without the help of medical professionals. But here are some life skills that can help you after recovery:
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Self-awareness
- Self-control and assertiveness
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision-making skills
- Resilience
- Ability to ask for help
One reason why some addicts are ambivalent about getting treatment is due to the lack of information. They base their decision on what they hear from other people. So with the frequently asked questions answered, you are more enlightened about the process of recovery and treatments and hopefully get the help you need.
With the right alcohol and drug abuse treatment, you can successfully recover. If you or anyone you know wants to begin the road to recovery, turn to Restore Health & Wellness Center. You can visit us at 6918 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303, contact us at 888-979-4570, or visit our website here.
