Because no two paths to recovery look alike, effective substance abuse treatments are different for everyone. Some individuals respond to outpatient counseling and medical intervention, while others struggle to regain sobriety after many failed attempts at inpatient detox and short-term programs. Studies show that rehabilitation programs offer patients a higher rate of lifelong success. Learn more about what it takes to get – and stay – sober.
3 Steps to Sobriety
Like other chronic illnesses, addiction has both a biological and behavioral aspect to it; therefore, a holistic approach to treatment generally leads to better results. Diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, have relapse rates similar to drug addiction in that relapses can be unexpected, occur at any stage of the process, and significantly impact mental and physical health. Before choosing a treatment option, you or your loved one must have the following three qualities:
- Addiction awareness. Admission of addiction to a substance is the first step to sobriety, and being aware of any problem is the beginning of correcting it. Unfortunately, addiction to drugs and alcohol can steal everything from money and family to security and self-esteem before the addiction is addressed.
- Genuine desire to be healthy. How has addiction affected your body, appearance, and overall physical health? If your loved one is struggling with addiction, how did they look when you saw them last? Recognizing changes in physical health can – and should – lead to an authentic longing for good health. Without this desire, it’s difficult to use the tools provided during treatment.
- Determination to live better. What has addiction taken from you or your loved one? Whether you have a determination to live better, or simply a determination not to succumb to addiction, you’re more likely to complete treatment, and with support and resources, live an enjoyable life.
The Recovery Process
When struggling with one or more addictions, understanding the recovery process can be difficult. Generally, these steps are taken to become clean and sober.
- Detox. Though the duration of initial detox can last anywhere from 3 to 30 days, it’s an essential first step in the process. Often requiring medical intervention to reduce withdrawal symptoms, detox provides a safe environment in which individuals begin to reduce biological dependence on one or more substances.
- Treatment. Inpatient treatment typically follows detox and may last anywhere between 30 and 180 days. Though some individuals are given the option to complete outpatient treatment, exposure to stressors and treatment barriers hinder success rates. An inpatient setting provides a safe environment in which individuals learn positive coping skills, engage in the therapeutic process, and practice managing emotions.
- Continuation of care. Prior to the completion of treatment, a relapse plan is created during which action steps are identified, such as attending a 12-step meeting or seeing a counselor in the event of a crisis or strong desire to use.
While there are many treatment options, choosing the best combination is challenging. If completing these steps did not result in sustainable sobriety for you or a loved one, rehab programs might be the best option. Designed for individuals struggling to remain sober after multiple attempts, rehabs offer in-depth treatment in a residential environment.
Rehab Helps Prevent Relapse
Relapse can be brought on by multiple stressors, from relationships and finances to housing and mental health symptoms. Rehab programs reduce relapse rates by offering a unique community-like setting that combines holistic treatment approaches with counseling and medication management to improve outcomes.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step to a substance-free life, contact Burning Tree today at 866-287-2877!
Breaking the Relapse Cycle
As the duration of sobriety increases, chances of success also increase. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 60% of individuals experience at least one relapse after receiving treatment. Unfortunately, only 36% of men and women with 1–12 months of sobriety will remain abstinent, while over 85% of people with 5+ years of sobriety will refrain from drug and alcohol abuse permanently. Breaking the cycle of relapse is extremely challenging, but absolutely attainable.
Factors Contributing to a Relapse
Defined as a recurrence of drug or alcohol abuse following treatment, relapses are experienced by more than half of addicts. Often, the following emotional components of relapse indicate a need for treatment adjustment or re-entrance:
- Uncontrollable urge to use drugs or alcohol.
- Desire to continue using despite level of intoxication.
- A feeling of not being able to cope with life.
Effective relapse prevention is critical to reducing the risk of injury or death due to drug and alcohol use.
Rehab: An Overview
Because success rate is correlated with length of sobriety, rehabilitation programs are ideal if you or a loved one has not been successful with treatment methods. Participating in a rehab provides the following benefits:
- Experience a new, drug and alcohol-free environment. Identifying environmental triggers to relapse is an important part of achieving sobriety. After learning the triggers, they’re easier to identify and address in the real world.
- Be an active member of a supportive community. By providing support to others and receiving it in return, appropriate and healthy relationships can be developed.
- Learn and use new skills to manage life. In many cases, the use of alcohol and drugs is an attempt to escape life’s problems. Step One Rehab offers an opportunity to learn positive coping skills such as stress management and to use them in a safe, supportive environment.
- Explore emotional triggers. Though unseen, emotional triggers can harm your ability to remain sober. From abuse and neglect to domestic violence and dysfunctional family systems, multiple experiences contribute to your overall emotional health.
Positive Outcomes after Step One Rehab
After successfully completing a rehab program, individuals report experiencing the following benefits, which lead to lifelong sobriety.
- Improved self-esteem. Years of drug and alcohol abuse can gradually peel away your confidence and self-esteem. Step One rehab programs provide the time needed to heal from addiction and gain a renewed sense of self.
- Positive coping mechanisms. Because you have the time and resources needed to develop healthy coping skills, life after treatment is more manageable.
- Enhanced enjoyment of life. Learning to enjoy life is one of the hardest things to do when in recovery, but rehab helps both men and women discover true happiness.
- Ability to manage stress and identify triggers. Recognizing triggers and efficiently managing stress are two valuable skills learned in a rehab setting. Applying these same skills to life leads to an improved ability to remain sober.
- Accountability. Through counseling and holistic treatment, graduates of Step One rehab learn to be accountable for their actions and approach each situation with honesty.
Get Help Today
When you’re ready to begin a new way of life, we’re here to help. If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about Step One rehab at Burning Tree, contact us today at 866-287-2877!