When experiencing a craving, many people have a tendency to remember only the positive effects of the drug and forget the negative consequences. Therefore, you may find it helpful to remind yourself that you really won’t feel better if you use and that you stand to lose a lot. Sometimes it is helpful to have these consequences listed on a small card that you keep with you.

Holistic Approach to Relapse Prevention

For many individuals, the first step toward recovery is acknowledging their struggle with substance use. After they’ve acknowledged that they are in need of help, the next step is finding a treatment program that can help restore their overall health, well-being, and happiness. Fortunately, there are treatment options such as detox, inpatient residential programs, medication assisted therapy, outpatient programs, and aftercare programs that can help you overcome your addiction. Behavioral therapies help people in drug addiction treatment modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to handle stressful situations and various triggers that might cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people remain in treatment longer.

Looking for Treatment?

Treatment facilities range from inpatient and residential care to outpatient treatment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most people who seek addiction treatment and remain in recovery support can quit their drug use. Psychodynamic therapy helps individuals explore their emotions and experiences to uncover how their subconscious thoughts relate to their thoughts and behaviors.

Harm Reduction in Addiction Recovery

• There are several drug addiction coping mechanisms that can help you overcome addiction which some people can develop on their own, however, professional help offers the best chance and quickest path toward recovery.
• The second study28 examined the 24-month version of TMC evaluated by McKay and colleagues.18 The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of TMC with and without incentives as a continuing care protocol for individuals with cocaine use disorder.
• In combination with a safe environment, you should also ensure that you are not afflicted by relapse triggers.
• Think of this as giving yourself a new start by getting you out of the environment and the habits that fed your addiction.
• Successful recovery is inspired by the hope that recovery is possible and faith that you will recover.

The truth is, life after rehab will be different, but that’s not a bad thing! Using the skills you acquired during treatment and making significant changes can lead you to a happier, more fulfilling life. After rehab, the critical thing to remember is to take things one small step at a time. Experiential therapy utilizes non-traditional treatment methods to help people overcome uncomfortable emotions or events through self-expression.

Feature your center

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits help you keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down. The more you can stay healthy and feel https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview good, the easier it will be to stay sober. Having the support of friends and family members is an invaluable asset in recovery. If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to relationship counseling or family therapy. Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.

Non-Linear Progression: Navigating the Stages

If a person uses as much of the drug as they did before quitting, they can easily overdose because their bodies are no longer adapted to their previous level of drug exposure. An overdose happens when the person uses enough of a drug to produce uncomfortable feelings, life-threatening symptoms, or death. People with addiction typically have a primary substance or a “drug of choice” but it’s common to be addicted to multiple substances. With our personalized treatment approach we can help you work through these addictions together and achieve overall sobriety and wellness.

CONTINUING CARE STUDIES NOT INCLUDED IN PRIOR REVIEWS

However, among participants who continued to use cocaine or drink alcohol in the first 3 weeks of IOP, TMC had significant positive effects on the primary outcome compared with TAU with IOP. Although the incentives almost doubled the number of continuing care sessions that were attended, substance use outcomes in the TMC plus incentives condition were slightly worse than those in TMC. Recovery is defined as a process of change, through which individuals struggling with substance addiction (and/or mental health disorders) can improve their wellness, regain control over their lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Those in recovery learn how to live without the crutch of drugs and alcohol, and begin to find gratitude, positivity, and productivity in a life of sobriety.

Common medications used to treat drug addiction and withdrawal

Drugs affect the brain by altering how it processes rewards, leading to compulsive behaviors. When you use drugs, they enter the brain and trigger the release of chemicals like dopamine. Over time, your brain craves more drugs to feel the same pleasure, leading to addictive behaviors. Each phase of the recovery timeline presents its own challenges and opportunities for growth.

However, there were no differences in outcome between the two continuing care conditions. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or substance abuse, we can help. They can offer encouragement, help you stay accountable, and provide emotional backing. Community-based resources, including therapy centers and local organizations, can provide additional support and structured activities.