Money problems can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in recovery. Financial struggles often lead to relapse in recovery, making it harder to stay on track. Stress from unpaid bills, job loss, or debt can trigger old coping habits. But you’re not alone, and there’s support available. Drug and alcohol treatment centers in West Virginia often provide resources to help manage financial stress during recovery. Knowing why finances impact sobriety can help you recognize risks early. In this article, we’ll explore why money problems can lead to relapse, the warning signs to watch for, and ways to build financial stability. Recovery is tough, but with the right tools, it’s possible to overcome these challenges. You deserve a future where financial stress doesn’t control your sobriety.
Feeling good and satisfied can help people who have struggled with addiction stay on a healthier path without falling back into old habits. We’ll explore why being happy and content with where you are in life can make such a big difference in staying away from substances that harm you. This is a key subject for many families and communities across West Virginia, and understanding the role of life satisfaction in preventing relapse in West Virginia can help us support each other in building stronger, healthier futures. Continue reading →
Choosing to detox from drugs is a significant decision, yet many people feel tempted to go it alone. While some may believe that a DIY detox approach offers privacy, lower costs, or independence, it also carries hidden risks that can make the process unsafe. DIY drug detox differs substantially from supervised programs in medical settings, where individuals have access to professional resources that make the experience safer and more manageable. Those attempting detox on their own are often unaware of the risks involved. Without professional oversight, they face dangers that can lead to severe health issues, emotional instability, and a higher chance of relapse. This guide explores the hidden risks of DIY drug detox and explains why professional help can make a big difference. Continue reading →
When you’re in recovery, every choice matters. You might wonder, should you drink mocktails in recovery? On the surface, they seem like a fun, safe option. But for some, they can trigger old habits and make staying sober harder. The taste, the look, and even the atmosphere around them might feel too close to the past. It’s important to know what works best for you. Talking to others who’ve been there or reaching out to rehab centers in West Virginia can help you figure it out. Your recovery is personal, and what works for one person may not work for you. This guide will explore the pros and cons, helping you make the right choice.
One of the most predictive factors of someone building a successful recovery is their length of time in treatment. Because addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behavior, people need time to break the cycle. We are helping the brain gradually change and settle down such that the person feels more empowered in their life. It can be devastating for a family who hears of a loved one who has decided to leave treatment early before it’s complete. When a person is leaving treatment early, they make a mistake that can cost them their future. That’s a hard statement to make, especially for those who want to remain sober. Yet, it takes time and a lot of work to make sure that sobriety is possible.
However, leaving treatment is preventable. But it takes effort from all around.These are some of the most common explanations of why people leave addiction treatment early.
“Detox is too difficult.”
One of the most common reasons why people leave drug treatment is the drug and alcohol detoxification process. The first couple of weeks of treatment can be uncomfortable and even unbearable because of the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the length of time the drug was used and the quantity of the drug consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable both physically and mentally.
Many drug treatment facilities provide excellent detoxification programs in which licensed and training medical staff provide around the clock supervision. The goal of detox is to minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment to our patients with opioid addiction. It gives them an alternative form of therapy aside from the typical abstinence-based treatment.
Whether it’s through naltrexone or buprenorphine, our team of professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery is here to assist. They know that medications are sometimes a necessary component of the treatment process. In order to not leave treatment early, we offer a way to track how much medication we’re giving you, as well as how long we believe you’ll need it.
The fact is those early in recovery aren’t alone in the management of your withdrawal, you have the support of medical and counseling staff who are encouraging and empathetic to the situation. Many counselors who work in drug treatment are in recovery themselves so they can identify and relate to the struggles of detoxification.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance abuse. MAT is normally used to treat opioid use disorders but has helped other types in the past. Sometimes other effects from these medications can hinder the recovery process, but they help more often than not. This therapy can be combined with others, like behavioral and group therapies, in order to achieve desired results of sobriety. We understand that ceasing drug use without the help of medication is sometimes not the best option for our patients. In our medication-assisted treatment here at Harmony Ridge, our staff is available 24/7 to manage the different prescribed medications and help you to not leave treatment early.
Leave Treatment Early Because of Unrealistic Expectations
Some people might go into treatment thinking it’s going to be easy and amazing right from the start. And you can’t really blame them. Addiction takes over a person’s ability to think rationally. And, on top of that, a lot of addicts haven’t been to treatment before. They don’t realize the work that goes into it. So, when they’re forced to confront their emotions and develop tools to live a functional life – rather than simply being medicated until the drugs leave their system – some may choose to leave.
Recovery is worth it and sometimes some of the methods and activities will really resonate with you. But it’s unrealistic to think that everything is going to be easy and amazing. Instead, you should acknowledge that the real reason you’re there is to work through your addiction and take that first step into recovery. That implies effort. Keep an open mind throughout your treatment process. And if something doesn’t go as you expected, don’t make any rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself if the treatment program is actually bad or if your expectation was just unrealistic.
“I Already Know All Of This – I Don’t Need Rehab.”
With any addiction recovery program, there will be certain themes that can be repeated. Repetition is important because as humans, that’s how we learn. Because of this repetition, individuals who complete only a few weeks of rehab may become overconfident. While confidence is key in recovery, overconfidence can be potentially damaging. Despite not having the full skill set that they need in order to maintain long-term sobriety, a person may become convinced that he or she is completely healed or “cured.” However, without all of the skills developed and fully in place, they won’t be ready to work through the triggers.
Response: Research indicates that the longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better their chances of maintaining their recovery. To leave treatment early means the person thinks they have learned everything they need to know. If a loved one indicates that they already know everything about treatment – it can be a signal of progress, or it can be a signal that more treatment – at different levels – is necessary. For example, stepping down from inpatient to outpatient or a transitional living home environment.
Dangers to Leave Treatment Early
There may be a small minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include
* The individual will not be prepared for the transition back home so they will likely be overwhelmed by familiar temptations.
* If the person feels like they have had a bad experience they will likely use this as a justification for a return to alcohol and drugs.
* Those who flee treatment while overly emotional (e.g. angry) will not be able to think rationally and so are likely to make bad choices.
* Nobody knows how many chances the individual will get at recovery – some people only seem to get one shot because they never summon up the determination to quit again. This means that by leaving rehab the individual might be blowing their only chance of a good life.
* The individual can use this bad experience as an excuse to never consider rehab again.
* Family and friends are likely to be disappointed by this failure to stay the course of rehab. It may even mean that they struggle to ever trust that person again.
* If the individual leaves rehab and then relapses it can lower their self efficacy – their belief in their own ability to escape addiction. This means that it will be harder for them to quit next time.
Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?
If you’re currently enrolled in a rehab program and are considering leaving, talk to your therapists and counselors about how you feel. They’ve been through this before with other patients and can address any concerns you’re having about your recovery, treatment, or progress. You might also want to discuss your concerns in group therapy, because others may feel the same, and you might be able to strengthen each other’s resolve.
Leaving drug rehab early or AMA is a form of self-sabotage – a behavior that is common for those in active addiction. If your loved one decides to leave treatment early, it will be a difficult time for you – however, it should not be the end of the family’s effort and support in getting a loved one well. With the support of family and a strong team of professionals, keeping a loved one active and engaged in their treatment and recovery process is possible.
Lastly, if you really want to leave–you can, but just wait it out for 24 hours and see how you feel. Take recovery day by day, and every morning commit yourself to stay another day. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Considering to Leave Treatment Early? Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help
If you have left treatment early, know that your recovery efforts don’t have to die in vain. There is still hope for a successful recovery. While it’s dangerous to relapse after treatment for the risk of overdose-related death, it’s also dangerous to never get help with treatment ever again. Many people who relapse end up obtaining a lasting recovery on their second or even third time in treatment. So, don’t give up!
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.
