If you are dealing with an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder, then you may have heard that there are many paths to recovery. You have likely heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous or seen thousands of ads for treatment centers online. Perhaps you noticed that there is12 Step recovery, faith-based recovery, and SMART Recovery.While each of the above programs varies in specific ways, they all have at least one thing in common. Each involves working together with others to achieve the collective goal of long-term recovery.The most challenging path to recovery is doing it alone. Some people may be able to abstain from drugs and alcohol for a period of time without outside assistance. However, a majority will end up right back where they started because they did not have a support network. Working together with others – whether in treatment or at 12 Step meetings – is essential to achieving lasting progress.Addiction is a cunning and baffling disease, but there is a significant body of evidence that shows the benefits of mutual help groups and addiction treatment. When you have people who can relate to your experience, it’s much more comfortable making the transition from active addiction to recovery.So, if you are in the grips of addiction, we strongly encourage you to reach out for outside help. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need professional assistance such as medical detox followed by a residential or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
If the nature of your addiction is severe, then you are probably physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. Attempting to detox on your own can be extremely painful or hazardous to your health. Without outside assistance, the risk of relapse in the first couple of days is exceptionally high.After detox, the next step is a treatment that relies on evidence-based practices to help men and women adopt a program of recovery. Those who seek rehab will benefit from being in the company of other individuals in early recovery. Together, each person can lean on one another for support as they work through painful emotions and uncomfortable mental transitions.Both in treatment and out, those who achieve lasting sobriety are the men and women who attend mutual-help groups like AA or NA. While in rehab, you will attend meetings to get a feel for what you can expect after discharge. Depending on the treatment center, you may begin working the Steps while under supervised care. If that is the case, you will be familiar with the processes once you are out of treatment.If you complete an addiction treatment program and establish yourself with a support group, you position yourself to make continued progress. Support groups are vital; regular attendance will allow you to process your feelings and talk about your daily obstacles. You will benefit from feedback and working with a sponsor or mentor. What’s more, attending meetings will lead to the development of healthy interpersonal relationships with supportive peers.Your recovery peers will help you on the road to long-term recovery, and you will help them much the same. Lasting sobriety is best achieved when you work together with others. If problems arise in your life, you can turn to your support network for guidance.
If you are ready to make significant changes in your life and begin the process of recovery, then please reach out to NorthStar Transitions. We utilize innovative and evidence-based therapies to give clients the ability to make lasting progress in their life. Please call us today to learn more about our programs and the NST difference. 303-558-6400
