Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programs

When discussing recovery from drug addiction or alcohol dependency, it is important to understand the difference between treatable and curable. Often the following questions are asked by those struggling to get sober, and also by their loved ones who have been living through the process with them.

Can addictions to substances be treated with success?

Yes, substance addiction is a treatable disease and there has been substantial medical research to support this in recent years.  There are biological, psychological, and lifestyle components to substance abuse. When drug treatment addresses the issues and provides tools and treatments, people are able to stop using drugs. This gives them the chance to regain control over their lives, make better choices, and become productive members of society again. This is a lifelong process for addicts, it is long term and their new coping skills will need to remain a focal point for the remainder of their sober lives.

Is drug addiction curable?

This is a harder question to answer, but the truth is, not always.  Because individuals recovering from addiction are managing a chronic condition that will be with them for the rest of their lives, a cure is not realistic. There are brain disturbances and behavioral effects that substance abuse causes which are often not reversible. The goal becomes treatment instead of cure. We offer many therapies because there is no single solution for all. Many addicts successfully regain control of their lives following drug addiction treatment and go on to live successful lives outside rehab.

There is a reality about drug addiction recovery that is important for every addict, and their families, to understand:

The truth is that true recovery begins when addicts begin creating a new life outside their previous circles of influence. One cannot expect to bring unhealthy habits and friendships into the recovery process and have lasting success. While it is true that not every situation and relationship can be avoided, many destructive triggers can be cut off.

Most of us are familiar with 12-step programs, having heard about them through various television shows or movie portrayals. The reality is that support groups and 12-step programs are statistically proven to increase your chance of recovery. Every reputable Southern California recovery center requires clients to take part in group therapy, making them an integral part of a well-rounded recovery plan. Both addicts and their family members use 12-step programs in countries all around the world.

There are many addiction recovery groups, but two of the most well known are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).  The success stories that you have heard about are true. Many thousands of recovering alcoholics and drug abusers have enjoyed relapse-free recovery while involved in these programs. Not everyone attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous has been through inpatient rehab, but you will find that many have. Addict Recovery Homes provide additional support, we believe every possible option available should be explored to give you the best chance of maintaining your newfound sobriety.

Another approach to group support comes from Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART). This system relies on both support meetings and online support groups to facilitate individual recovery. SMART encourages learning to embrace empowerment and put practical life skills to use to derail any potential high-risk situations. Part of the SMART model is allowing each individual to determine appropriate alcohol consumption or drug use level that is acceptable. While this may work for some, it gives freedom that most drug addicts in recovery could and should not engage.

Specially trained addiction recovery therapists help people like yourself who are striving to overcome addiction and return to healthy, fulfilling lifestyles. Once drug treatment has resulted in sobriety, therapists can begin working to introduce skills. These new skills will allow you to regain emotional and physical health while working to uncover the reason for the addiction in the first place. Treatment can take time, depending on your underlying causes and the length of your addiction. Willingness to work with your therapist will be central to your recovery success.

This often begins by simply setting short and long-term goals. Some of these goals might be dealing with guilt and shame of addiction, accepting responsibility for all actions, and rebuilding relationships damaged because of using. There are several different therapies that are commonly used in conjunction with each other, increasing the likely hood of long-term recovery. Experiential therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and motivational enhancement therapies are often used in Southern California recovery centers.