Many individuals with substance use disorder wonder if they can recover without the expense or time involved in going to rehab. Yes, it’s possible, but often more challenging. And there are a number of factors they must consider. The social recovery model is an alternative to doing it alone. Read on to learn more about these.
Factors In Recovery Without Going to Rehab
Residential treatment centers (rehab) offer a wide range of professional services, support systems, resources, and a community of peers that an individual trying to recover on their own does not necessarily have. The social recovery model is an alternative and also offers a number of supportive resources. For those wishing to try recovery on their own, there are several factors to consider.
Stages of Change
An effective model of the recovery process identifies several stages including: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. This is not necessarily a linear path as individuals may move backwards and forwards through the stages. There are risks of relapse at each stage. In fact relapse rates are comparable to other chronic diseases such as diabetes.
The contemplation stage is where the individual is ready to make a change, just not immediately. It’s here where family, friends, and a rehab center can be of special support. If you are doing it alone, the role of family and friends is key. Similarly, in the action stage, where the individual makes a commitment to reduce or stop using drugs [1].Here counseling support plays a key role that is missing if someone is recovering on their own.
Support Systems
A key factor is having a strong network of supportive family and friends who understand addiction and what the individual is going through. Mutual self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or online communities can play a central role in maintaining motivation and accountability and having peers to share experiences and challenges with.
Self-Help Techniques
Learning ways to avoid triggers, practice self-care, and develop coping mechanisms for cravings to avoid relapse, are also important for recovering alone.
Motivation and Resilience
Those individuals with high levels of motivation, skills for coping with recovery, and a strong commitment to change are in the best position to succeed in recovery without rehab.
Challenges of Recovery Without Rehab
Medical Risk of Withdrawal Symptoms
During detox, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur that are difficult or impossible to manage alone. Without medical supervision, there can be serious risks. Having qualified medical professionals available who can monitor progress and prescribe medications as needed, depending on the substance involved, is also key.
Risk of Relapse
The first year of recovery presents the highest risk of relapse, with approximately two-thirds of those in recovery experiencing one or more relapses and more than 50% failing to complete treatment [2]. Rehab programs have structured programs to manage this risk and support the individual.
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Many people with substance use disorders also have mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, among others. These require professional therapeutic treatment to be addressed appropriately as recovery is not just about the substances.
Lack of Resources
Without medication-assisted treatment where needed, therapy, and addiction counseling, the road to recovery is much more challenging for those going it alone.
It Can Be Done, But It’s Risky
While it is possible to recover without going to rehab, it requires very high motivation, commitment, and informal support. Professional treatment is designed to provide the trained staff and techniques that increase the odds for successful recovery. The likelihood of success is increased by having access to some form of counseling and social support groups.
Social Model Recovery
An alternative model to the residential treatment center model is social recovery. It can provide an effective choice between rehab and recovery alone. Studies have shown that greater social support has predicted lower substance use rates after treatment, treatment retention, days abstinent, and abstinence self-efficacy [3].
Social support includes resources obtained from personal relationships and can include information sharing, emotional guidance, positive validation, and practical resources. It emphasizes the role of social relationships, community engagement, and identity transformation in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
The social model views addiction and recovery as occurring through a mutual interaction between the individual and his or her social environment. Sober Living Houses are one of the primary ways this model is delivered, based on a philosophy of complete abstinence from alcohol or drugs. They typically consist of [4]:
- Peer support
- Resident input into house decisions
- Resident participation in household tasks such as cooking and cleaning
- Participation in mutual support groups such as NA
- Use of community resources as needed
- Development of an individualized recovery plan
Key Aspects of Social Model Recovery
The model is based on the following elements:
- Rebuilding social connections: Restoring or creating supportive relationships can help counteract isolation, stigma and self-stigma, commonly experienced in addiction.
- Social Identity Transition: With its motivational and supportive approach, the model helps residents shift from an identity centered around substance abuse to one associated with recovery.
- Peer Support: Sober living houses or 12-step programs provide environments where individuals can foster mutual accountability and encouragement through social interaction.
- Community Engagement: Self-worth and reduced stigma are the main benefits of involvement in community activities, volunteer work or other social activities.
Benefits and Challenges of Social Recovery
Benefits include:
- Shared emotional encouragement with empathy and understanding
- Practical help e.g. with transportation or housing
- Lowered stress and improved mental health
- Enhanced self-sufficiency with abstinence
- Reduced relapse risk
Challenges include:
- Social stigma: This can impede participation in the community and the development of relationships
- Stigma: Shame may prevent individuals from seeking support
- Loss of Identity: Social reinforcement is often needed to transition from a substance-using identity to a recovery-oriented one.
Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment in Anaheim
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one on the recovery from addiction and mental health 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 licensed counselors provide individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] NIDA. 2024, January 10. Reduced drug use is a meaningful treatment outcome for people with stimulant use disorders.
[2] Kelly JF. et al. 2019. How Many Recovery Attempts Does it Take to Successfully Resolve an Alcohol or Drug Problem? Estimates and Correlates From a National Study of Recovering U.S. Adults. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2019 Jul;43(7):1533-1544.
[3] Islam MF. et al. 2023. The Importance of Social Support in Recovery Populations: Toward a Multilevel Understanding. Alcohol Treat Q. 2023;41(2):222-236.
[4] Polcin DL et al. 2023. Moving Social Model Recovery Forward: Recent Research on Sober Living Houses. Alcohol Treat Q. 2023;41(2):173-186.
