The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) define recovery as “a process of change through which people:
- Improve their health and wellness
- Live self-directed lives
- Strive to reach their full potential
“Even people with severe and chronic substance use disorders can, with help, overcome their illness and regain health and social function. This is called remission.”
Read on to learn more about recovery and how it’s possible to overcome addictions.
What Does Being in Recovery Mean?
So the contemporary view of recovery is a hopeful one. SAMHSA has outlined four dimensions that support a life in recovery:
- Health: Overcoming addictions and living a healthy life by making informed choices
- Home: A stable and safe place to live
- Purpose: Meaningful daily activities and the resources to participate in society
- Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope
Recovery can mean different things to different people. Treatment may mean through peer support groups, an outpatient hospital clinic, or a residential treatment center. Commonly it refers to the time after treatment for a Substance Use Disorder. For some it means being in remission. A commonly accepted way of expressing what recovery involves is through the five stages model.
People may move forward and backwards through stages as part of their personal journey in recovery. The stages are:
- Pre-Contemplation: The person isn’t aware of the impact of their addiction. They aren’t ready for change yet. They are defensive and have many justifications for not agreeing to treatment. Sometimes this is due to prior failed attempts. Most feel that recovery just won’t work for them.
- Contemplation: The person sees the benefits of being alcohol or drug-free but isn’t quite ready to begin a treatment program. They still see the benefits of using. They may revert back to pre-contemplation.
- Preparation: The person is motivated to take action and set some goals to stop using, They may take some preliminary steps like seeing a counselor or working out. Self-care and insight now have greater importance for the person. A start date is set. If triggers arise they may revert back to the previous two stages.
- Action: The person has committed to change and has learned new behaviors and is putting them into practice. They have made progress but still require the help of a counselor, doctor or peer support group. They may have gone through long periods of abstinence and will seek help before having a relapse. The most common triggers for relapse are stress cues (people, places, things,moods) and contact with alcohol or drugs. Scientific work is ongoing to find therapies that interfere with these triggers.
- Maintenance: The person is working hard to maintain sobriety. New behaviors replace old ones. They have regained a more balanced life and are following through on exercise and sleep routines. Relapses are infrequent and the person’s confidence has grown to be able to believe in a future without drugs or alcohol. This stage may last from 6 months to 5 or more years. Aftercare and peer support are crucial at this stage for support to the person.
How Being in Recovery Impacts Your Life
As NIDA states, when people stop using alcohol or drugs, they may experience various physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Restlessness
- Sleeplessness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other mental health conditions
As the person successfully progesses in recovery, they focus on the healthy lifestyle changes they’ve made, such as
- Staying sober,
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining consistent sleep routines
- Participating in recreational activities
- Attending support groups
Is It Possible to Recover from Drug/Alcohol Addiction?
Yes, it’s possible to recover since addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has opened more horizons for evidence-based treatment and management of alcohol and drug abuse.. These are key to helping people stop using and to lead more productive lives in recovery.
A national Canadian study reported, “that long-term recovery is attainable even when addiction is marked by high severity, complexity and chronicity.” It observed “many individuals in recovery report a good quality of life and lead meaningful lives contributing to their families and to society.”
When Can You Be Considered Fully “Recovered”?
Addiction is now viewed as a chronic disease like heart disease, diabetes or asthma. Treatment is not a cure, but is a way of managing the condition. These treatments enable people to stop or modulate the disruptive effects of addiction on the brain and body. And they allow people to regain control of their lives.
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.
Sources.
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Recovery.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery. 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery.
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2023, September 25. Treatment and Recovery.
McQuaid, R.J., Malik, A., Moussouni, K., Baydack, N., Stargardter, M., &
Morrisey, M. (2017). Life in Recovery from Addiction in Canada. Ottawa, Ont.: Canadian
Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
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.
