How to Recover from Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can disrupt every aspect of an individuals' life... in a very short amount of time. Addiction can be compared to a tornado, because it comes in and destroys everything so quickly.

It's the aftermath-- the process of picking up the pieces and starting over-- that can take so long.

Getting Sober

The only way to recover from drug or alcohol addiction is to do it right.

Naturally, the first thing an addict must do to recover from the control of drugs or alcohol is to detoxify (also known as detox) the chemicals and toxins that are physically maintaining a level of control.

These chemicals are remainders of the last use(s) of drugs or alcohol, and their presence in the body is powerful because an addict will physically need more as long as these toxins are present. Detox can often last up to several weeks, but it is given in a controlled medical setting. This is smarter than "quitting cold turkey" because only in detox will an individual receive:

1. Experienced guidance throughout the entire process, preventing relapse and offering encouragement to continue the drug/alcohol recovery process
2. Healthy, nutritious meals (helping to restore strength and speed along the detox process)
3. Medical supervision, 24/7, to monitor the severity of any withdrawal symptoms. If it is needed, medication can be given to help
4. The opportunity to step aside from the daily challenges and triggers an addict will have, to focus solely on their objective to get sober
5. An increased success rate, up to 200% more likely to successfully get sober, than if the same individual were to attempt to detox on their own

This first stage of drug/alcohol recovery focuses on the physical elements of addiction, and completion of this program is only the beginning of the journey that lies ahead.

Learning How to Stay Sober

After detoxifying, an addict will feel a combination of stronger, healthier, happier, and confused.

This is an especially vulnerable time for somebody who has struggled with addiction for any period of time... and returning to the streets at this point would mean relapse is literally inevitable.

Why...?

Because-- although the physical control of drugs/alcohol are no longer present-- the person is still addicted... mentally, emotionally, and psychologically.

Getting sober will not teach somebody how to stay sober. This is why a complete rehab treatment is necessary for lasting, permanent recovery from drug or alcohol addiction

Individual Counseling

Through personal attention, each addict will have the opportunity to receive all of the treatment they need to stay sober.

Addiction is often the symptom of an underlying disorder, such as: DepressionPost

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Anxiety
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
• Depression

Stress itself is often the leading trigger for an addict to indulge in alcohol or their drug of choice, and even the inability to cope with stress is something that must be treated before an alcoholic or drug addict may finally recover from addiction.

Individual counseling provides the care needed, focusing on the addiction as well as any underlying disorders, to help each individual face their own challenges. In this program, each patient will develop their own strategic plan to overcome their own personal obstacles and challenges... ultimately becoming a healthier, happier, and stronger person-all the way around.

Group Counseling
Much like individual counseling, group counseling treats a fundamental element of drug or alcohol addiction, and that is the social perception. Like minded peers will connect to discuss their own stories, and offer each other encouragement and motivation to reach a common goal of drug/alcohol recovery.

Most recovering addicts will build lasting relationships in group counseling programs... friendships that go on to serve as a support program after rehab.

Family Counseling
Family counseling is especially important for recovery from alcohol or drug addiction because this program examines the personal life of an addict, and educates those close to him or her on how addiction works. Here, close friends and family members will learn any behaviors they may exhibit that could be enabling addiction to continue, and how they can be more supportive.

Also, loved ones will have the opportunity to confront an addict (to "wipe the slate clean") and express their emotions in a controlled setting. Help, and education, is important for everyone involved... not just the addict himself.

Living Sober
As a person completes the rehab program, they are ready to put into action the many exercises learned to live sober. Sober living is especially difficult for those first starting out, and this is why it's highly recommended to actively participate in an ongoing support program for drug/alcohol recovery.

The following are just a few of the sober living programs designed for recovering addicts just starting out.

• Recovery Home

  There is a variety of options for recovery homes, but this is basically an extension of rehab. An individual who is not ready to practice sober living on their own will benefit from the lengthened training, counseling, and especially the high level of restriction from relapse.

  Sober living is easier the longer you do it, and a recovery home is a residential support program that makes it impossible for relapse to occur. Counseling, positive activities, career training, and nutritious dining are just a few of the additional benefits that an individual will receive in a recovery home.

• Sober Companionship

  The job of a sober companion is to provide full time guidance, encouragement, support, and restriction for those just beginning recovery from drug/alcohol addiction (after rehab.) This recovery program has been used by many celebrities (including Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, and LindLohanohan) but is available for anybody.

  Sober companions are more appropriate for those who are unwilling to stay sober or unable to stay sober (more severe cases of addiction) but are unable to continue treatment in a residential setting. Sober companions may be used full time (24/7) or only for travel... the frequency and length of companionship depends on the individual.

• Sober Coaching

  A sober coach is the best option for an individual with full confidence and willingness to live sober on their own.

  This program offers support (reminding each patient of the consequences of relapse along with the positive effects of living sober,) restriction (each individual will be monitored for drug or alcohol use) and freedom to make the right choices.

What to Expect from Drug/Alcohol Recovery Programs

The most important element of any support program is that it trains the individual to be self sufficient. Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is dependent on the will of an individual to apply the exercises, training, and strength it takes to overcome the urge to relapse and to live the best life possible.

Learning More About Drug or Alcohol Addiction, Including Information on How to Overcome Addiction...

It's necessary for friends and family members to participate in any addiction recovery program, and to provide ongoing support and encouragement to stay sober. internetrnet is a good source for information and education about addiction and how to overcome addiction, as well as how to support somebody to recover from addictiAxisHouseAxisHouse.net is full of resources that are helpful for both the addict and loved ones. (Click here for more information.)

e, and effort, but it is possible at any stage as long as the individual receives proper guidance and positive support.