Addiction is a heartbreaking reality in our country. It leaves a trail of devastation in its wake turning healthy individuals into desperate versions of their former selves, tearing families apart, and ruining communities.
The good news is that it’s possible to break free with proper treatment. That said, recovery from addiction doesn’t happen overnight. When you decide to go into a treatment program, you embark on a lifelong transformative journey. This journey is marked by distinctive phases, each presenting unique opportunities for growth
Recognition and Acknowledgement
Recovery begins when you become aware you have a problem with addiction. You may have hit the proverbial wall in your life forcing you to acknowledge your addiction and reflect on your life. Maybe your partner decides to walk out or you receive a warning from your employer. Alternatively, you may have a health problem that compels you to face reality. Whatever it is, acknowledging you have a problem and accepting that you need help is a powerful catalyst for change. It may also trigger a mix of emotions ranging from fear and shame to hope and determination.
Early Abstinence
Once you acknowledge you need help to overcome addiction, the next stage is finding an appropriate treatment program and committing to treatment. Most rehab centers will first have you undergo detox before proceeding to a treatment program. Detoxing can be uncomfortable and demanding and you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and mood swings. This is the toughest stage to overcome and you may be tempted to quit.
During this stage, you’ll receive professional support such as medical supervision or counseling. You’ll start working with a trained counselor to identify and address the root causes of addiction.
Maintaining Abstinence
The third phase focuses on maintaining abstinence and developing the coping skills needed to maintain a sober lifestyle. You’ll get into an addiction treatment program and get started on counseling and therapy to address the psychological aspect of addiction. In addition to coping skills, you’ll also learn to identify and manage triggers and stressors, communication skills to help improve your relationships as well as strategies to avoid relapse. You’ll also be encouraged to form a support network where you can share experiences and receive encouragement.
Advanced Recovery and Growth
After about five years of abstinence, you’ll enter advanced recovery which is the fourth and final stage. By this time, you’ll have taken all the tools and skills learned during rehab and used them to rebuild a productive and fulfilling addiction-free life. You’re committed to ongoing self-improvement and personal growth through education, hobbies, or career advancement and are also engaged in different activities in the community. In short, you become a productive member of society with a sense of purpose and connection. Recovery from addiction is a lifelong, dynamic journey and the Impact Wellness Network would love to help you through every stage. Our locations throughout the Midwest in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, are strategically placed so you can get help wherever you need it. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.
