Addiction Treatment – What Can I Expect?

The first step to recovery is acknowledging the presence of addiction and its effects on daily life. Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction can be a serious challenge. While the road to recovery involves many steps, the first few are often the hardest. When beginning your journey we know you may have many questions. We have compiled a few common questions and answers that will help you gain more insight into your drug addiction treatment journey, and what to do when you’re ready for help.

Admitting there is a problem.

Of all the first steps to recovery, admitting that there’s a problem is perhaps the most important. Of course, this is easier said than done. Millions of people struggle with substance abuse, but only a portion will ever acknowledge the problem. 

How do you figure out if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol? First, you might recognize common signs of addiction like negative consequences of your use in multiple settings, like work, school, and home. It can be hard to admit these facts to yourself, so you might talk to a trusted person about your concerns. Finally, meeting with a qualified addiction professional can offer you more insight and answers.

Acknowledging the benefit of and seeking our professional help. 

Once it has been determined that the person needs to get sober, the next step is to reach out for help. There are various sources of support that can help the individual get started in seeking the treatment needed to overcome addiction and get sober. Stopping substance abuse is not a journey that must be undertaken alone. In fact, getting and staying sober is more likely when the person has a trusted support system to help maintain motivation.

With professional support, the individual is more likely to be able to find a treatment program that aligns with the specific factors and elements of that individual’s substance use issues. This, in turn, is more likely to result in the person getting sober and staying that way longer.

Find the addiction treatment program that works for you. 

No matter what type of addiction you may have, every day can feel like a battle. As a result, it is important to find the right treatment program. Although you may feel like there is no way out, recovery is possible if you find the right program for you.

Take it day by day. 

Recovery from addiction requires strength, perseverance, positivity, resilience, and a treatment plan that’s personalized to fit your needs and goals. A common saying in Alcoholics Anonymous is “one day at a time” which is a mantra especially helpful to those in addiction recovery who are overwhelmed by the thought of never having another drink or using another drug again, for the rest of their lives. Here are some ways to keep taking your journey day by day during addiction treatment.

Practice Mindfulness in Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Mindfulness is the practice of being wholly a part of the moment or staying present. To stay fully present in times where your mind may wander, try to make a mental list of how each of your senses is being stimulated at that moment. What can you hear/taste/touch/smell/see?

Make a Daily Goal

Goals give us motivation, and guidance as something we want to work towards. Making a small, achievable daily goal will build your self-esteem while giving you the satisfaction of achievement. Try setting a daily goal as identifying one thing you want to actively work on for that day, for example you may set the goal of being a better listener— which you work towards by counting fifteen seconds after a person is done speaking, before you give feedback or accept feedback.

Journaling

Journaling is an extremely helpful skill for introspective reflection. It gives you the opportunity to gain insight from your day without you having to focus on your past or future. Journaling your thoughts, feelings, and ideas as they present themselves during your day will cause you to stay focused on what is happening during this day.

Make a Plan

Sometimes living in the present means taking time to plan for your future. For moments that you find yourself stuck in the past, or worrying about the future, having a plan to help bring you back to the present moment is key.

Addiction Treatment – What next?

Treatment of addiction is not a quick fix. Consequently, it is important that people who struggle with addiction remain in treatment for an adequate period of time. Of course, there is no set time that a person must spend in treatment. Most research indicates that people with addictions need at least three months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their substance abuse. However, addiction is a complicated problem and recovery is often a long-term, life-long process. The best results occur when treatment is longer. 

Has your addiction left you feeling helpless with no way out? Has your loved one’s addiction made them unrecognizable? We understand what you are experiencing and are here to help!