Addiction is a disease that can completely take over a person’s life. It affects not only the individual but also their family and friends. Addiction can be difficult to overcome, but with the help of treatment, many people are able to get their lives back on track. No one plans for an accident or debilitating illness such as addiction, but when you’ve turned the corner and begun the journey toward recovery, it’s crucial to get the most out of your residential treatment therapy and rehabilitation process. Read on to learn the steps of a rehab journey, and what you can do to ensure you stay on the right track to your best life yet.
Things That Can Make Rehab Easier
There are a few things that you can do to make the rehab process easier for you or your loved one. First, it is important to find a treatment center that is a good fit. This means finding a center that offers the type of treatment that you or your loved one needs. It is also important to find a center that is located in a place that is convenient for you.
Second, it is important to have a support system in place during your rehab journey. This can include family, friends, or a support group. Having people to talk to and lean on can make the rehab process much easier. In addition, it is important to be prepared for the time and effort that rehab takes. It is not a quick or easy process, but it is worth it.
What’s more, it is important to remember that relapse is a part of recovery. If you or your loved one does relapse, it is important to get back on track and continue working towards sobriety. Last but not least, it is important to be honest about your drug use and why you want to change. This will help the treatment team create a plan that is tailored to your needs.
Phases of Addiction Treatment
According to the American Addiction Center, though individual experiences may vary, in general, people who complete an addiction rehab program can expect to progress through at least four distinct phases of the treatment process — intake, detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare/ongoing recovery. Intake consists of a comprehensive evaluation, which is then used to create an individualized treatment plan for recovery. Detox manages unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
How Families Can Make Their Loved One’s Rehab Journey Easier
When someone you care about is living with addiction, there will always be obstacles to overcome. Not every situation will have clear answers. Some choices will be hard to make. Still others will have ultimatums that are hard to keep. Remember: “It’s not about catching them when they fall. Rather, it’s about reaching out a hand to them so they can get back up.”
Having feelings of fear, worry and anger is understandable and normal. As with any other chronic illness, the more informed you are the better you will be able to support your loved one. You can help them, and yourself, by educating yourself. Learn more about substance use disorder, interventions, treatment methods, and recovery programs. And know that this rehab journey is not the time to nag, preach or lecture your loved one about what they should have done, how things could have been better, or how wrong they are.
Know When to Ask for Help on Your Rehab Journey
When it comes to addiction, one of the most difficult things for people to do is ask for help. In fact, asking for help can be so difficult that sometimes it seems easier to just continue living in a downward spiral rather than reach out. Most people have someone in their life that they know they can talk to about anything. If you have this person, turn to them. Even if they have no personal experience with addiction, they are a listening ear and can help you make sense of what is going on. There is comfort in knowing you have someone on your side and someone who will be there through the hard parts of life.
As well, there are so many resources on the internet, including helpline numbers, chat rooms, and websites for treatment facilities. A quick Google search will likely turn up a variety of options. Sometimes, it’s easier to admit to struggling from the safety of a computer rather than face-to-face with someone, and that is perfectly OK. It’s also helpful for some people to talk to a stranger first, before talking to someone they are familiar with. There is less fear of judgment that way. When you reach out to someone online or via telephone, they are able to direct you as to what the ideal next steps are for you depending on your particular situation. Of course, it’s up to you to take those steps.
Get a Sponsor
One of the ways to make the most of your rehab journey is to work with a recovery sponsor. That individual acts as a guide — through the program and through the Steps, but primarily through those first tentative strides into a clean and sober world that seems large and, at times, frightening. Sponsorship, as recommended in AA and NA, is a vital component of a 12-step program. The benefits of a good sponsor are crucial to someone new in recovery. While a sponsor is not required for sobriety, experience has proven that people who find a sponsor and follow suggestions have a greater chance of staying sober. Sponsors can help guide their sponsees navigate the turbulent waters of early recovery. Sometimes we need a little friendly push to pursue things unfamiliar to us. Sponsors will nudge you to get a service position, volunteer, speak up in meetings, and many other helpful things that may be intimidating to a newcomer.
The First Days of Your Addiction Rehab Journey
If you are recovering from an addiction issue, you may be getting ready for your own journey to a rehab facility to get things sorted out for yourself. If you have decided on a drug rehab facility, that is great! It is a huge first step in working towards ridding yourself of your addiction and achieving a better quality of life. There are many ways that reducing or quitting drugs and alcohol can improve your well-being.
Some of the benefits of quitting for 30 days include:
- Better mood
- Better sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved personal relationships
- Improved physical and mental performance
- Lower risk of long-term health problems like cancer and heart disease
- Saving money
Once you’re settled in your new way of life and everything has become more manageable, it’s easy to grow complacent. The disease of addiction requires constant vigilance, and one of the best ways to avoid relapse is to recognize “pre-lapse,” the conditions that generally, for you, make you feel unable to cope without a drink or a hit. It might be stopping your exercise routine or your regular check-ins with your sober community, or maybe overwork or not asking for help. Whatever it is, relapse strikes when you’re feeling vulnerable, so successful recovery depends on you taking care of yourself and learning to recognize the conditions that prefigure a fall.
Find Relapse Prevention at Harmony Ridge
If you or someone you know in recovery is showing or discussing any signs of relapse during an addiction rehab journey, action must be taken. Even if a relapse prevention plan has discouraged the physical act of substance abuse thus far, more work is needed. You should work with a professional, or even consider moving into a sober living home. Sober living allows for socialization among others who are working to maintain their addiction urges, and can support healthy recovery.. Reach out to rehab professionals if you’ve relapsed and don’t know what to do next. Updating your relapse prevention program can make a difference and encourage a healthy recovery. Our staff members are ready and available to ensure that you get enrolled for the type of treatment you need. Don’t wait until it’s too late to face your addiction. Don’t miss the opportunity to maintain sobriety. Remember, you’re worth it and you deserve to be healthy, happy, and sober.
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