Finding recovery is one of the most difficult challenges an addict can face. Taking the first step and admitting that one is suffering from the disease of addiction takes a monumental commitment. Some are blessed and find recovery by simply attending meetings, others find it after completing a treatment experience. Some find it through the help of a higher power. Whatever path has led the soul to recovery, an addict has many tools available to them to help them along the way.
Go to Treatment
Locating the right treatment facility is one of the hardest choices in the recovery process, and also the most significant as the client has essentially taken the first two steps of the twelve step program. Admitting one has become powerless over drugs or alcohol, and that their life has become so unmanageable that treatment intervention is need is a very difficult thing. Many don’t make it to this point. But for those that do make this choice, there are a plethora of treatment facilities available that combat addiction holistically, since the disease of addiction affects both mind and body.
Take Personal Responsibility
Dr. Howard Samuels discusses Eight Ways to Prevent Relapse on Huffington Post. Each of the eight suggestions all come back to being able to take personal responsibility. Number one on Dr. Samuels’ list is to “flex your willpower muscles.” By taking control of cravings and consciously denying them, addicts strengthen neural connections in their brain, making it easier to assuage the cravings over time. He also reminds addicts to keep a positive outlook and to be proactive instead of reactive. Other suggestions include maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep.
Twelve Step Program
Twelve step programs are available in nearly every community. Some areas have meetings available around the clock. The more metropolitan the area is, the more likely it is to have meetings to fit any schedule. Many feel that this program is indispensable and without it, recovery cannot occur. The support and acceptance those suffering from substance abuse issues can find in these rooms is unparalleled. Rarely does an individual who firmly embraces the program and works diligently to complete each step end up failing at the end. Addictions and Recovery offers comforting and more complete information about twelve step programs. Although many newcomers may not welcome this new commitment, they soon find they look forward to the meetings.
Get a Sponsor
Many who have been in programs for quite some time know all too well that working the program with no other assistance or help is a precarious road. Finding a sponsor helps the newcomer in many ways. Generally, a sponsor is someone to help a struggling, recovering addict. The role of the sponsor is clear: they assist the newcomer find and get to meetings, help combat cravings, and provide support throughout the recovery process. Sponsors give their phone number to their sponsoree so they have someone to call when cravings hit and most importantly, they are someone to work the steps with.
Find a Home Group
A home group is a support group that the member feels comfortable in. Each meeting has its own personality, strengths and weaknesses. Finding a home group means that there is one meeting that feels like home. A place where one can listen and share and feel comfortable about it.