Addiction is a complex disease that involves changes of the body, in the mind and in emotional responses. Treatment is only part of the process of restoring an individual’s life to normalcy. Recovering from addiction is an ongoing commitment to perform actions and activities that promote healthier thinking and behavior so that relapse into substance use can be avoided. This means that staying sober after treatment is extremely important. Addiction recovery is a never-ending process that should be taken seriously throughout.
Successful addiction recovery includes a variety of techniques that help individuals self-monitor and acquire help when they’re tempted to relapse. Former President Obama declared September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This is to encourage awareness of this important issue in American society. To recover from addiction, you need help from a professional alcohol and drug detox center in Florida.
What Is Addiction Recovery?
Recovering from addiction is a process of changing thought patterns, attitudes and behaviors to create conditions that make it easier to live without addictive substances. Recovering doesn’t occur with detoxification from the addictive substance, nor is it accomplished when a rehab program is completed. Addiction recovery is ongoing in an individual’s life.
Because drugs or alcohol have created so many changes in these individuals’ lives, returning to normal involves a series of steps that helps them re-learn how to make positive choices. Many people have to make drastic life changes in order to keep up their sobriety. This can include change
Stages of Addiction Recovery
The process doesn’t occur all at once. It typically happen in a series of stages in which individuals learn to manage the disease effectively. Dividing the recovery process helps make treatment more effective and manageable. The main stages of addiction recovery include:<
- Treatment initiation – Individuals often have mixed feelings about entering recovery and must work through denial and lack of ability to commit to the treatment process.
- Early abstinence – Addicts must undergo withdrawal from the substance and the varying degrees of physical and emotional discomfort.
- Maintaining abstinence – In this stage, individuals learn about the causes and consequences of their substance use and methods for dealing with cravings.
- Advanced recovery – In this stage, individuals have learned how to maintain sobriety using the techniques they have learned in treatment and have made the changes that allow them to maintain normal lives.
Problems of Addiction Recovery
Perceptions can also cause a number of problems for individuals who have been in treatment. Employers or community members may believe these individuals have been “cured” and no longer have to struggle with their substance abuse. Others may not believe that treatment works and may continue to treat individuals as addicts.>
Misconceptions about the process of recovering from substance abuse can create additional challenges for those who are working toward rebuilding their lives. Many people may not understand that addiction is a chronic disease. This means that it requires ongoing maintenance and treatment, and that relapses often occur routinely.
Separation from ordinary life can often help individuals gain a new perspective on their substance use and how they contribute to their addiction. Professional treatment in a conducive atmosphere provides a positive background for the changes they need to make to rebuild their lives.
Get Help from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Today
Addiction does not have to control your life. Millions of Americans struggle with addiction every day but only a small number get the help that they need. Serenity House Detox & Recovery, a rehab center in South Florida, with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter, offers addiction detox programs, including:
Reaching out for help is only the first step on the long road to recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, call us today at 866.294.5306. You can speak to an addiction expert and learn about treatment options available to ensure a better future. Don’t wait to get help any longer.
