Addiction Recovery Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving a sustained recovery from addiction as everyone develops their addiction for unique biological, psychological and social reasons. The harm that addiction causes is specific to each individual too. Successful treatment incorporates multiple components targeting particular aspects of the illness and its consequences.

The first step however, is abstinence. For substance abusers this may involve medically supervised detoxification to relieve the sometimes life-threatening physical effects of withdrawal. Some people in recovery may benefit from medication that reestablishes normal brain function. diminishes cravings or treats co-existing mental health problems.

Medication-assisted therapies such as methadone, suboxone or vivitrol may be prescribed. Mental health counseling is another possible component in a successful recovery plans and helps with modifying attitudes and behaviors related to addiction. Common approaches include: cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, couples and family counseling and working with a recovery coach. Peer support groups can be an invaluable source of guidance, assistance and encouragement for individuals in addiction recovery as well. As for family and friends impacted by the addiction, twelve-step programs like Al-Anon are among the best known peer support options.

While these approaches may not work for everyone and meetings may be geographically inaccessible, alternatives such as smart recovery, moderation management, secular organizations for sobriety and others have evolved and thanks to social media many of them are online where they afford the added benefits of being available 24/7 and allow participants to truly remain anonymous. The most important thing in addiction recovery is to find a support structure that works best for the person the individual and stick with it.