First Step to Recovery

The first step in the recovery process isn’t a physical action, but rather a change of mindset. Recovery begins with recognition and acceptance, after which healing can begin.

Addiction and Denial

People living with addiction who are not seeking help are sometimes in denial. This may be denial as to the very existence of the addiction, or it may be a denial of how damaging it is. It may be a false belief that they can manage their drug abuse and continue functioning, or that this life is better than a sober one.

It may not be that a person fully denies their problem. Many people deal with cognitive dissonance when part of them knows that what they are doing is harmful, but other parts of them want to continue. This internal conflict can be uncomfortable, and many people may try to avoid confronting or thinking about the reality of addiction to minimize it.

Moving Towards Acceptance

The journey from denial to acceptance isn’t always linear. While some people may have a sudden moment of realization following an important event, such as the end of a relationship or losing their job, for other people the process is more gradual.

People may go back and forth between acceptance and denial before finally accepting their problem. It may begin with sporadic thoughts which become increasingly present or be prompted by concerns from friends and family. It involves the realization that you cannot go on like this – the consequences are too much – and that you can successfully take steps toward more positive physical and mental health.

Accepting Support

Another important part of recognizing the problem is understanding that you need support to get you through. Addiction involves physical changes in the brain that make it extremely hard to quit drugs by yourself.

The good news is, there is plenty of help available to give people the support needed to overcome addiction and maintain long-term recovery. Friends and family members can also constitute a strong support system throughout the process.

What Comes Next?

Once someone has accepted that they need help, the next step to recovery is finding a suitable treatment plan. You can do this by contacting substance abuse treatment centers directly or visiting your primary care doctor for a referral.

It can be helpful for family members to support their loved ones by researching treatment options and accompanying them to appointments. This helps make the process easier and smoother, alleviating some of the barriers to treatment.

What Addiction Treatment Options Are Available?

Every individual is different. There is a wide range of options and program types available to suit people’s varying needs.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

Addiction treatment facilities offer different levels of care, including inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient programs. If you are unsure which option is for you, you can contact a treatment center or another mental health professional for expert advice.

During an inpatient program (also known as residential treatment), you stay in the recovery center for the duration of the program. Residential treatment offers a safe and controlled environment away from the triggers and stresses of everyday life to help clients fully engage in their treatment program.

During an outpatient program, you continue to live at home while regularly visiting a treatment center to attend sessions. Outpatient programs may involve from five full days of sessions a week to just a few hours. Outpatient programs are suitable for people who are unable to take a complete break from their everyday life to attend treatment. They are also usually much cheaper than residential options.

Some people stay in one level of care throughout substance abuse treatment while others transition between levels, for example by beginning in inpatient treatment and then moving onto an intensive outpatient program.

Addiction Treatment Approaches

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, effective substance use disorder recovery programs are individualized, combining a variety of treatment options to suit each client’s unique needs. Drug and alcohol rehab centers may offer a mixture of evidence-based therapies and holistic options to address the underlying issues that drive addictive behavior and promote long-term recovery.

These may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Group programming
• Support groups such as 12-step recovery meetings
• Complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation
• Dual diagnosis
• Life-skill development

Payment and Insurance

Most major insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for addiction and mental health treatment programs. The treatment center may work with you to communicate with your health insurance provider and handle the paperwork.

Some treatment centers offer financial assistance such as payment plans for people who do not have insurance or are otherwise unable to pay.

Start Your Recovery Journey with Alina Lodge

Alina Lodge is one of the nation’s leading residential treatment centers. For over 60 years, we’ve offered top-tier drug and alcohol rehab based on the forefront of addiction science. Our comprehensive range of treatment modalities is always evolving to reflect the latest developments in the field.

We understand that addiction treatment isn’t a simple science. Strong networks of social support and holistic mind-body healing also play an important role in rediscovering your sober self. Our team of compassionate professionals works with the entire family to mend relationships strained by addiction while helping to build a stable, effective system of recovery support.

Effective recovery programs are individualized. We ensure our treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs from beginning to end, staying by your side throughout the process. We address the underlying causes of addiction through grief therapy, mindfulness relapse prevention, and other treatment approaches.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact us today. We’re committed to helping each client reach their goals. Contact us today to take your first step to recovery.