The saying that the first step to recovery is not just a cliche. There is, in fact, a lot of truth to this especially when it comes to addiction recovery. Getting over an addiction is no walk in the park, anyone who’s gone through it can tell you.
However, with the right kind of help, and with the right level of support, it is possible to overcome even the worst kinds of addiction. It’s not going to be easy at all, for sure, but the other certainty to it is that it’s going to be very well worth the risk.
If you or a loved one are going through addiction and would like to seek help, here are the steps you can expect to meet along the road to recovery.
Step 1: Acknowledgment
You can’t fix a problem if you can’t even acknowledge that there is a problem. Denial is the single biggest hurdle to making your way to recovery. It prevents you from seeing the reality for what it really is, and keeps your content in the dark.
Acknowledging that there is a problem is the first step to recovery because then you at least become willing to look the problem in the eye and say that yes, it does exist, and yes, you do need help.
Step 2: Awareness
Acknowledging substance abuse in one’s life is but one part of the equation. The other is awareness, which expands your understanding of the impact of your addiction on the people around you.
As you step back and look at the situation for what it is, you might be surprised to see how disruptive and destructive you’ve actually been, all this time that you were suffering from substance abuse.
Family, friends, and even colleagues could have experienced less than ideal encounters with you during your addiction. It wouldn’t be surprising if you don’t even remember them anymore.
Step 3: Solution Search
Otherwise known as recovery exploration, this, in a nutshell, pertains to the addict’s attempts at correcting and resolving the issues identified during the first two stages above. Now that they know what the problem is, and once they’ve decided that they want to finally address this problem, it’s time to test out possible solutions.
Some might try minimizing the use of their substance of choice, or go cold turkey altogether. There are also those who begin looking at options for a rehabilitation facility, such as Recovery Corps Health Group (https://www.myrecoverycorps.com/).
It’s most likely going to be a trial and error affair, but with consistent determination, a solution may soon be within reach.
Step 4: Treatment and Recovery
Once the patient finds the best treatment program for them, then they will undergo the prescribed action and activities to supplement their plan to recovery. What should be noted, however, is that it can be a jarring exercise, suddenly confronting feelings, getting medicated, and undergoing detox.
For these reasons, it can end up being too much or too overwhelming for the patient, such that they would want to get out of the program. It’s all part of the process, though, and as long as they see it through, they will soon reap the benefits of all their hard work during therapy.
Step 5: Aftercare
If you’re on the lookout for a rehab facility, make sure to find one that has an aftercare support system. As any recovering addict would tell you, graduating from a rehab facility simply means you’re done with the program, and that you’re getting out of the facility.
However, the work to maintain sobriety is just as tough and tedious, especially outside. Blind spots, temptations, and a less-than-conducive environment for recovery can be roadblocks to continued improvement.
Having the tools and facilities to help you follow through with your progress is going to prove to be a huge help in achieving a truly successful rehabilitation program.
