Drug Addiction Help: 10 Helpful Steps
Struggling with substance abuse and drug addiction can have a profound impact on your life, degrade your mental and physical health, compromise relationships, and affect your employability and financial stability. Fortunately, thanks to the expertise of specialists in the sectors and advancements in treatment options and techniques, today, there’s a reliable way to regain control over your life. Indeed, 3 out of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover, according to a study published by the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2020.
Nonetheless, this is only possible with the help of specialists in the sector and the right treatment plan personalized to your unique needs and goals. In this guide by the experts at Peaks Recovery Centers, we’ll look at 10 essential steps to set yourself on the path of recovery success.
Recognize The Problem And Lean On Someone You Can Trust
Recognizing that substance use has turned into abuse or addiction is undoubtedly the first step to seeking adequate help. Nonetheless, maturing this understanding isn’t easy, significantly, as a substance use disorder can develop over time and begin to affect your life in varied ways, which may be undetectable at first.
Nonetheless, it is important to remember that an estimated 21 million Americans have at least one addiction that requires specialized support – yet only 10% of them receive treatment. So, if you have been struggling with illegal or prescription drugs, be sure to speak to a specialized professional who can help you better diagnose your condition and understand how your substance use or abuse disorder can impact your life and health in the long term.
Education Is Essential: Learn About Drug Addiction
Education represents a powerful tool in understanding drug addiction and navigating the road to recovery.
Firstly, by having a better understanding of what addiction is and how it happens, you can start to identify its causes and consequences. Additionally, by building your own knowledge and education, you can begin to understand what resources are available, how addiction treatment has developed over the years, and what kind of centers should be your top choice when working toward recovery. Of course, knowing what recovery is likely to involve – timelines, treatment options, and associated costs – can help you shift your mindset and prepare you for the journey ahead.
Fortunately, information is plentiful and easily accessible – but don’t forget that quality matters. Reliable resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and reputable recovery centers like Peaks Recovery Centers offer in-depth insights and research-based information.
Find The Best Partner For Your Needs: Reach Out To Multiple Drug Treatment Centers
Finding the right treatment center is more than a chore to tick off to get your recovery journey started – it’s a decision that will influence your experience and journey ahead, as well as your chances of making a successful recovery.
As every individual is unique, the treatment center chosen must align with personal needs and goals. When making a selection of centers and coming up with your shortlisted options, some factors to keep into consideration are:
- Accreditation and licensing
- Specialization in specific drug addictions
- Treatment methods and therapies offered
- Staff credentials and expertise
- Personalized treatment plans
- Success rates and testimonials
- Post-treatment support
- Financial options and insurance acceptance
- Environment and location
- Availability of mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis
Explore Your Level Of Care And Treatment Options
Level of care refers to the intensity and type of treatment recommended to a patient based on their goals, addiction severity, complications, co-occurring conditions, and specific needs. Options range from inpatient, offering 24/7 support for severe addictions, to outpatient programs for those transitioning or with milder dependencies.
Here’s an overview of the levels of care:
- Inpatient Detox & Stabilization. This level of care provides around-the-clock medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms, ideal for individuals with severe addiction just beginning their recovery journey.
- Residential Rehab Program. Highly structured, this program suits those who need immersive, 24/7 support, and therapy after detox to address severe substance abuse issues.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Day Program. The PHP provides a high level of care without overnight stays, perfect for individuals requiring intensive treatment but needing to return home at night or continue working.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Program. The IOP offers flexibility for those needing continuing support. Suitable for individuals transitioning back into daily life.
When approaching a recovery center, a specialist will carry out an accurate diagnosis of your disorder and recommend the best treatment approach for your needs. You may shift from one to another program as needed.
Over the past years, treatment methods have evolved beyond traditional models and improved to embrace innovative approaches and achieve better clinical outcomes. Beyond traditional therapy, some of the treatment approaches you should look for in your provider’s offer include:
- Somatic therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
- Biofeedback and neurofeedback
- Holistic nutrition and fitness programs
- Art and music therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Begin Treatment
Understanding what to expect when starting treatment demystifies some of the preconceptions about the process and makes it feel less overwhelming. In turn, this can help you better manage timelines and expectations.
Generally, the first day often involves assessments, introductions to the treatment team, and getting acquainted with the facility or program structure. Recovery timelines vary, often depending on how severe your disorder is, whether there are co-occurring problems, and how committed you are to the program. For example, adhering to prescribed treatment plans and engaging fully with the therapeutic process can make the process faster and reduce the risk of relapse.
Your healthcare provider will be able to answer any questions you may have about the journey ahead.
Work With Professionals To Create Your Individualized Treatment Plan
A personalized approach is fundamental in addiction treatment. That is because tailored approaches align with each patient’s unique situation, making the journey to recovery more manageable and straightforward. Not only does this increase the level of compliance to the treatment, but it also boosts each person’s success rate.
To create a personalized approach, specialized centers opt for multidisciplinary treatment programs that involve traditional, innovative, and alternative techniques, as well as lifestyle changes.
The environment plays a crucial role too. For example, a recovery center with airy facilities immersed in nature can be more conducive to relaxation, stress management, and mindfulness. Additionally, for some, inpatient facilities offer a safe space away from triggers. Others may find outpatient treatment better as it allows them to maintain work and family life.
Specialized providers will look at all aspects of a treatment program and ensure that each detail is personalized to the patient’s needs.
Start To Build Your Support System
A strong support system is essential in recovery. This is because, by leading to those around you, you’ll be able to access encouragement, find understanding, and boost accountability. The benefits of building – and relying on – a support network include a sense of belonging, reduced feelings of isolation, and having trusted individuals to lean on.
If you have been isolated by your substance abuse disorder, you can begin rebuilding your network by:
- Reaching out to family and friends who support your journey.
- Joining support groups to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
- Engaging with counselors or sponsors
- Utilizing online forums or communities for additional support.
Apply What You Learned In Treatment To Life Outside Of Treatment
Choosing to get started on the road to recovery can truly help you turn your life around. That is because ad hoc treatment programs do more than just help you free yourself of addiction – they also teach valuable skills that can transform everyday life. Here are just some examples of how this works:
- Conflict management techniques learned in therapy helps in navigating disagreements at work or within your family without turning to substances.
- Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise or creative outlets, can help you refocus your energy in a healthy way, thus avoiding substance use and relapse.
- Learning to manage your response to triggers can help you recognize warning signs and implement coping strategies before a situation escalates.
- Active listening can enhance both professional and personal connections, helping you build a reliable support network and healthy relationships.
Applying these skills outside treatment supports a sustainable recovery by helping you improve several aspects of your life.
Take The First Step: Reach Out To Peaks Recovery Centers
Choosing the right recovery center and program for your needs is all but easy – but you are not alone. The team at Peaks Recovery Centers is here to help you navigate the journey ahead and make a successful recovery.
The specialists at Peaks Recovery Centers are committed to providing compassionate help to anyone struggling with substance abuse disorders and addiction, pushing boundaries, and driving positive change within communities across the country. We aim to continue developing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach that bridges evidence-based practices with innovative solutions to ensure long-term recovery.If you’re ready to take that first step towards a life of sobriety and wellness, Peaks Recovery is here to guide you. Contact us today at 855-608-1222 to begin your journey toward long-term recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.