If you or a loved one is battling an addiction, starting the recovery process can feel like a big step to take. The beginning of recovery is often the hardest and most courageous first step, marking the start of a new life. This is, in fact, one of the hardest steps that you may have to initiate.
One reason why it is so hard is that you will have to admit to yourself that you have a problem and need help. It is important for a person to recognize the need for change and realize the impact addiction has had on their life. Although recovery is quite complex and involves many different parts, and it is normal for challenges and relapses to happen during recovery, and these setbacks are part of the journey.
In this article, you’ll learn what the recovery process looks like, explore your recovery options, and discover how to maintain long-term recovery after you complete your treatment program.
1. Acknowledge the Problem
When you are starting the recovery process, you have to admit to yourself that you actually have an addiction. This can be very difficult since most people downplay their use of substances and try to make it seem as though it is normal. Especially with things like prescription drugs, alcohol, and marijuana, it can be easy to convince yourself that you have your substance use under control.
However, the only way to really move forward is to admit that you have an addiction and it is negatively impacting your life.
Examine your life with a clear set of eyes to really see the extent of damage your substance abuse has done. Most likely, your addiction has negatively impacted your relationships, career, finances, living situation, professional life, social life, family, families, and family members. By admitting that you have a problem and need help, you can finally start to make progress towards the life you deserve.
2. Prepare For Treatment
Once you have acknowledged that you have a problem and need to seek out treatment, you can start preparing for this next step. It is a good idea to identify why you need to quit whatever it is you are addicted to.
For instance, it may be negatively impacting your health, or it may be significantly damaging your family and relationships. Once you have identified a few core reasons to quit, this can help give you the motivation and drive you need to move forward.
This is also a good time to do research into what recovery looks like and the challenges you may face. Having realistic expectations is going to help you stay positive even when you run into issues along the way. Be prepared for significant changes in your lifestyle, and remember that learning to cope with these adjustments is a key part of the recovery process.
This is also the time when you may need to open up to your loved ones about your addiction, asking for their support as you seek treatment. Working closely with loved ones and professionals can help you build self-esteem and provide the support system that will be absolutely essential for maintaining long-term recovery, as well as giving you the courage you need as you get started.
3. Find the Right Recovery Options
Even though it is a positive thing that there are so many addiction resources available, this can make it more challenging to find the right recovery options for your situation. This will also fluctuate depending on where you live, treatment pricing, and the type of substance you are addicted to.
Here are some common addiction recovery options you should consider:
Treatment Programs
Addiction treatment programs are by far the most common option that comes with the most benefits. These programs are specifically designed to help those who want to put an end to substance abuse so that they can reclaim their lives.
There are many features that different programs can provide, such as outpatient or inpatient programs and programs of different lengths. Generally, these programs will include therapy, aftercare planning, life skills development, mindfulness practices, and medication management. Recovery monitoring is also an essential part of recovery after completing a treatment program, helping individuals maintain progress and achieve long-term sobriety.
Research each program thoroughly so that you can make an educated decision on the type of program you want to join. Remember: addressing drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, and you may require more than one treatment program to successfully navigate behavioral changes.
Therapy
Even though therapy is usually a core part of most addiction treatment programs, you should plan on getting therapy on a long-term basis. Those in recovery benefit greatly from finding a therapist experienced with addiction who can help guide them through the long-term recovery process.
A therapist can help you set goals, develop healthy coping mechanisms, navigate triggers, and deal with the mental health effects of going through sobriety. A therapist can also work with you and your loved ones to rebuild damaged relationships and cultivate more support and accountability.
Support Groups
Another very important aspect of maintaining recovery long-term is finding support groups. Your support system should be made up of loved ones who are supporting you and helping you to stay accountable. This may culminate in family-group therapy, which is usually focused on sobriety and addiction recovery and offers inspiration and support from peers.
Even if you have a thriving support system at home, it is still beneficial to be able to talk to people who are actually going through the same process as you.
Other Considerations for a Successful Recovery
Once you’ve completed the first few steps of the recovery process, you’ll need to consider how to maintain long-term recovery.
This typically includes three specific steps:
Program Order
A strong recovery foundation often begins with substance addiction treatment, whether through a treatment center, drug rehab, or an MAT program. However, some people realize they need two or more addiction treatment programs to successfully overcome their addictive behaviors.
Clinical settings such as residential programs provide structure, guidance, and access to professional support, making it easier to navigate the recovery journey. Support groups and individual therapy are also key components, offering encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to process emotions and experiences.
Financial Stability
Financial stability is a critical aspect of the recovery process, often overlooked but essential for reducing stress and supporting long-term recovery. Substance abuse can have severe negative consequences on your finances, from job loss to mounting debt, which can add to anxiety and make it harder to remain abstinent.
Achieving financial stability in recovery starts with practical steps such as creating a budget, paying off debt, and building an emergency fund. These actions not only help you regain control over your finances but also provide a sense of accomplishment and security. Employment or pursuing education can further support your recovery journey by offering structure, purpose, and opportunities for personal growth.
Many treatment programs and support groups offer resources and guidance to help individuals address financial challenges and avoid bad habits in recovery. By working closely with counselors or financial advisors, you can develop strategies to manage your money more effectively and avoid the financial pitfalls that often accompany substance use disorder.
Ongoing Recovery Work
One of the many challenges those in recovery face is what comes after their addiction treatment program. Once you leave the structure of a treatment program, it is normal to feel a bit lost and without a clear path forward. You will have more independence and will need to hold yourself even more accountable when it comes to recovery.
The good news is that some facilities provide aftercare, which can be very beneficial for developing a new lifestyle around recovery. You will also need to have a strong support system and continue to go to support groups.
Your therapist can help you create an ongoing recovery plan that covers things like:
- Relapse prevention
- Daily routines
- School/work goals
- Recovery goals
- Hobbies and skills
The most important thing to remember for ongoing recovery is the risk of relapsing. Relapses are very common since it can be very difficult to avoid triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms, and multiple relapse treatment may be necessary in some populations. You will need to understand the signs of relapse, relapse prevention strategies, and you will need people you can rely on when you are struggling.
Find Addiction Treatment at The Lakes Treatment Center
Starting the recovery process can feel incredibly intimidating, but it is necessary if you are struggling with an addiction. Admitting that you have a problem and seeking out help is the only way to move forward and reclaim your life once and for all.
At The Lakes Treatment Center, we provide a variety of addiction treatment programs designed to help you heal both physically and emotionally. Aside from our traditional detox and residential programs, we also provide aftercare and multiple relapse programs for more specific recovery needs.
Are you ready to start the recovery process and join a treatment program? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center to get started.
