Understanding the Addiction Process
Addiction involves a compulsion to continue using a substance or engaging in a behavior, despite the negative consequences for the person, their family or friends.
Substance addiction includes addiction to alcohol, heroin and cocaine and prescription medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines, among others. There is a physical and psychological dependency on the chosen substance. Physical dependence involves withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used. Psychological dependence involves a compulsion to use the substance, despite negative consequences.
Behavioral addictions involve a compulsion to engage in non-substance-related activities like gambling, porn, shopping or gaming. These behaviors provide a “high” or reward, driving repeated behavior despite negative outcomes like financial ruin or broken relationships.
The addictions cycle consists of three phases, each involving different parts of brain circuitry. The person may cycle through these with periods of relapse [1]:
- Binge/Intoxication in which a person consumes an intoxicating substance and experiences its rewarding or pleasurable effects
- Withdrawal/Negative Affect in which the person experiences a negative emotional state in the absence of the substance
- Preoccupation/Anticipation in which the person seeks substances again after a period of abstinence
This cycle worsens over time and involves dramatic changes in the brain reward, stress and executive functions systems.
The Recovery Process
According to NiDA. “recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives and strive to reach their full potential” [2]. Recovery from addiction varies with each person. It involves a combination of self management, mutual support and professional treatment. A typical recovery program includes:
- Recognizing the problem and making a commitment: The person needs to finally recognize they have an addictions problem. This usually happens with the help of family and friends and leads to making a commitment to change.
- Assessment and Detox: This is done by doctors and addictions counselors to understand the person’s addiction and any underlying physical and mental health issues. Then under medical supervision, the person may go through a detoxification process with managed withdrawal symptoms.
- Treatment Plan and Rehabilitation: A personalized treatment plan is created involving medication, therapy and support groups. A structured treatment program is implemented with therapy sessions, residential treatment and outpatient programs to help the person define new behaviors and attitudes.
- Relapse Prevention: Strategies are learned to manage triggers and prevent relapse as part of an ongoing process.
- Support Network: This involves family, friends and peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
- Ongoing care: Therapy continues as needed complemented by support groups to maintain sobriety and manage triggers and other challenges.
- Personal Growth: Activities that reinforce self-esteem and promote a healthier lifestyle are continued and monitored.
Factors That Affect The Recovery Process
Little is known about the factors that facilitate or inhibit long-term recovery from substance use disorders or how the brain changes over the course of recovery.
In addition, taking drugs or alcohol to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal during abstinence actually causes those symptoms to be even worse the next time a person stops taking the substance. This makes it even harder to maintain abstinence [1].
Of the many factors that affect the duration of withdrawal, here are some of the most important:
- The substance, length of use and severity of addiction
- How the substance is ingested
- Risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms
- Presence of co-occurring mental health or physical conditions
- Willingness to change
- History of previous withdrawals or relapses.
- Family history and support
Steps for Breaking an Addiction
NIDA says that “treatment is not a cure, but a way of managing the condition. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives. [3]”
A common model for thinking of stopping an addiction and moving into recovery uses five stages:
- Precontemplation Stage: The person is not yet ready and is likely defensive with justifications to not quit. They may not appreciate the advantages of being drug-free. They may be reluctant due to past failed attempts.
- Contemplation Stage: The person is ready but not quite yet. They understand the advantages of quitting but still appreciate the benefits of using.
- Preparation Stage: The person is moving towards quitting but may also jump back to earlier stages. Family and friends’ support is critical here to help them decide.
- Action Stage: The person has made various lifestyle changes and may have stopped using for prolonged periods. They may consider professional help. This step may involve the following steps:
- Decide a date to quit. Perhaps choose something meaningful like a birthday or special event.
- Modify your environment: Remove all reminders of your addiction from your home and workplace. Don’t let others bring reminders of your addiction to these places.
- Distract yourself: Make a list of alternative activities such as going for a walk, calling a friend, exercising or meditating to keep busy while the craving passes.
- Review your past attempts to quit. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Make changes as needed.
- Build your support network: Let your family and friends know your plan. Ask for their support. Ask them to refrain from using the substance you are quitting. If you have a dealer, tell them and ask them not to contact you. Let your healthcare provider know (if you are not going to a rehab). They may be able to help you with appropriate medications that can increase your chances of success..
- Maintenance Stage: The person is working hard to prevent relapse. They are maintaining lifestyle changes. As their confidence grows they may not feel the need to relapse.
Detox vs Recovery Process
Detox is the first phase of recovery. The duration varies with the substance as follows:
- Alcohol: 3-7 days
- Benzos: 14 days
- Cocaine: 4-7 days
- Methamphetamines: 3-10 days
- Methadone: A lengthy process of approximately 12 weeks. There can be less craving and withdrawal discomfort with slower tapering.
- Opioids (Heroin and Fentanyl): 14 days
Recovery is the longer process described above.
How Long Does It Take To Overcome An Addiction?
There is a wide variety in the time it takes to break an addiction with the initial detox. Much depends on the person and the substance. Typically it is about 60 days although it may vary from 30-90 days.
In recovery most people require two to five years to fully stabilize in abstinence or controlled moderation.
Recovery Options in Anaheim, California
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addictions issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US) (SAMHSA); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 Nov. CHAPTER 2, THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION.
[2] National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Recovery.
[3] National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2023, September 25. Treatment and Recovery.
Lacey graduated from Brand University with a MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. Lacey is a skilled clinician, supervisor, and administrator with extensive therapy experience. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership and policy direction for our program and maintains accepted standards of medical practice throughout the facility.
