Addiction Recovery Begins With Making the Decision to Change

Addiction is a disease that many people struggle with on a daily basis. For those addicted to drugs or alcohol, addiction recovery begins with asking for help. When a person who is addicted to substances is not ready for treatment, very little can be done to help the individual. Once the need for treatment is realized by the individual, the process can truly begin. Supervised detox is the first step and is always recommended in order to be safe during the withdrawal process.

Supervised Detox in an Addiction Treatment Center

Withdrawing from drugs and alcohol is hard. For those who try to detox at home alone, the relapse rate is quite high. Relapse occurs because using the substance you are trying to withdraw from makes the withdrawal symptoms go away. During supervised detox, treatment involves keeping you comfortable and making sure your symptoms do not get out of control. Time in a supervised detox facility can be anywhere from a few days to about ten days depending on how well you recover during the detox period.

Short-Term Rehabilitation Benefits for the Newly Sober

Once you withdraw from substances safely, a short-term rehabilitation facility is often a good idea. If you feel nervous about returning home right after your detox, you can go to a short-term rehabilitation program instead. These types of programs help you build a foundation of recovery, providing you with the support you need to learn more about drug detox addiction. Individuals stay in a short-term program a few weeks or up to a month, depending on their treatment needs. During this time, you will go to groups, meet with a counselor and develop a treatment plan, and have access to staff whenever you need to talk about what is going on for you.

Long Term Residential Treatment for Addiction

Some individuals are not ready to return home after time spent in drug detox and short-term rehabilitation. There are long term residential treatment programs for addiction designed for people who don’t have a safe environment to return to and don’t feel ready to be on their own. Long term residential treatment provides 24-hour support during the recovery process and allows people to focus on their addiction treatment without the distractions of daily life. Over time you will work with a counselor to address your next steps in the process. If you are ready to return home with supports in place, that is one option. For others, going to a sober living community is a better choice.

Sober Living Communities After Residential Care

Sober living communities are supportive environments for people who still don’t feel confident returning home or living independently. Sober living is a chance to begin integrating back into the community while also living among peers who are working on their own recovery. As you get used to a sober living program, you’ll start working and doing things out in the community. A sober living community can be a great environment where you meet others who are at the same stage in their recovery as you are. When you live with your peers, you will find that your support network is strong.

The process of recovery doesn’t always go step by step. The bottom line is to ask for help when you need it. Supervised detox is always recommended, as this is the safest way to withdraw from substances. Work closely with your counselor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. No matter what is going on in your life, nothing is more important than gaining your sobriety from an addiction to substances.