September is National Recovery Month. “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” and this month reminds people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in the journey through recovery.
Recovery is a process of change and continual growth through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. Everyone's journey is different, so what may work for one person may be very different for others.
There are many options that have been successful in helping to treat drug and alcohol addiction, including:
Detoxification can help in the medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from alcohol or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins. While this is not in itself "treatment," it is a first step in the process. Patients who do not receive any further treatment after detoxification usually resume their drug use.
Behavioral therapy or counseling can help patients modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, increase healthy life skills and persist with other forms of treatment. Examples of behavioral therapy are brief interventions and reinforcement approaches, treatments that build motivation and teach skills for coping and preventing relapse, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Medications and devices can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions.
Mutual-support groups provide peer support for stopping or reducing alcohol and drug use. Group meetings are available in most communities, at low or no cost, at convenient times and locations—including an increasing presence online. Recovery programs based on mutual peer support, and many different behavioral therapies, involve social support and are very helpful for people struggling with addiction and maintaining sobriety.
Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can help identify those underlying issues that could lead to the potential use of drugs and alcohol.
Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse.
Patients can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches, so it’s important to find the right fit for your recovery or that of the person you’re supporting in this process.
If you are concerned about drug or alcohol use and would like to learn more about treatment options, click the link on either our adult substance abuse program for outpatient care or our medical stabilization program for inpatient services for more information.