The most important, and often most difficult, step in recovery from addictions is to recognize that a problem exists. Once you do that it’s possible to begin recovery. But remember, recovery is a lifelong journey, not a destination. With patience, persistence, and self-compassion you can achieve your recovery goals. Read on to learn more about what’s involved.
Understanding the Addiction Recovery Process
A common approach to understanding the addiction recovery process is with the “stages of change’ model. Briefly, these are:
- Precontemplation (Not Ready)
The person just doesn’t believe they have a problem. They resist change or don’t even think about making change and certainly not in the next 6 months. This is often the longest stage. The challenge is you can’t force people to make changes. They have to be ready. When they move from awareness to acknowledgment they realize they need to move forward.
- Contemplation (Getting Ready)
A person intends to change, cut down, moderate, or quit the addictive behavior in the next six months. They know the benefits of doing so, but are also aware of the drawbacks. They may begin to see the consequences of their use but may not understand where the problem came from. A person may be in this stage for years. They may continue to use, but report that they enjoy it less. They may move forward or back a stage. They may have alternating feelings of hopelessness and hopefulness.
- Preparation (Ready)
The person wants to make the change soon, often within the next month. Usually they have already taken steps to change. They are preparing to change and begin to set clear goals to help change. They have a plan of action.
- Action
The person has made changes in the past six months. They have started the physical process of recovery. They make initial changes to their behavior, surroundings or experiences. They may have reduced or stopped using substances.
- Maintenance
The person has made changes to their lifestyles and are working to prevent relapse. They have stopped using substances for at least six months and are working to maintain this success. The person is less tempted to relapse and becomes more confident in their ability to continue with these changes. They face triggers that may cause relapse. It requires dedication, inner strength and time to manage these successfully. Participating in a sober community can be very helpful.
- Relapse
The person reverts back to old behaviors they were working on changing, or goes back to an earlier stage. Relapse is a common occurrence and a person may relapse more than once before making a permanent change. Relapse should be seen as a useful part of lasting change, not as a failure.
How To Cope With Addiction During Recovery
There are several main elements to coping with addiction during recovery. They include:
Recognize the Problem
Understanding the stages of change and where you are at can provide insight into the nature of your addiction and how you feel about it. Developing the ability to self-reflect can deepen your awareness of your underlying issues and your personal approach to addiction.
Seek Professional Help
Having the courage to ask for help is a big step on your recovery journey. Seeing your doctor to discuss the nature of your addiction and getting referrals to counselors, therapists, detox or treatment centers is an important phase in your process.
Build a Support System
Very few can go it alone when facing recovery from addiction. Working with your family, friends and peer support groups such as AA or NA can provide much needed understanding, belief in you, encouragement and resources to progress in your healing journey.
Manage Your Cravings
Coping with cravings is one of the most difficult aspects of recovery. Here are some suggested ways to manage this:
- Distract yourself: See friends, read, dive into a hobby, go to a movie or exercise. Once immersed in these, the urges tend to subside
- Talk it out: With family or friends, talk through the cravings. This can be very helpful to locate the source of the craving.It also helps to let go of and relieve the feeling. Plus it will bring back honesty to your relationships.
- Challenge, then change your thoughts: It’s common to focus on the positive aspects of the drug and overlook the negative ones. Remind yourself that you won’t feel better if you use. In fact you know you will lose a lot. Write these down as reminders.
- Urge surf: When cravings are too strong to ignore, stay with the urge in the present moment until it passes.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan
Often this is done with the help of a counselor or therapist to identify your triggers and coping strategies. Knowing that you have worked out a plan can provide enhanced self-confidence in weak moments.
Develop Healthy Habits
It’s very important to reinforce your health as you recover. Exercise, mindfulness, nutrition and engaging in new activities can all help create a renewed foundation for successful recovery, healing and growth.
Work on Your Emotional and Psychological Healing
With the help of counselors or therapists, explore underlying trauma, anxiety, depression or other co-occurring mental health issues. This will help you deal with feelings of shame that are common in recovery. Then begin to rebuild your self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Sustain Long-term Recovery
Maintain your program of self-care, mentally, emotionally and physically. Stay committed to personal growth and avoid high-risk situations. Work with your support group. Lean on family and friends. And check in regularly with your counselors, therapists and doctors.
How to Recover In a Safe Space
Choosing treatment is a brave thing to do. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, with each targeted to a different aspect of the illness and its consequences. There are a variety of evidence-based approaches to treating addiction. The specific treatment or combinations depend on the person’s needs and on a medical and therapeutic assessment.
At The Encino Detox & Recovery Center we offer our relational model of care in a safe space. It was designed to re-introduce men and women to themselves, in a more loving way. Free from the negative effects of addiction and addictive behaviors that have led to unwanted consequences and loss.
The therapeutic relationships at The Encino Recovery and Detox Center promote ideas, creativity, connection, and long-term sobriety. These valuable relationships will help you or your loved ones find freedom from the long-term isolating effects of addiction. The mental health component consists of a team of licensed clinicians who run special therapeutic groups to meet the individual needs of each client.
We offer trauma recovery and the following evidenced based therapies:
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Aggression Replacement Training (ART)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- 12-Step Program
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
- Group experiences
Safe Recovery in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. All in a safe space.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
