A Recovery Program is Essential. Recovery: •They can’t stop because their brain has been changed. •Recovery is possible, but it can depend to a great degree on how old the person is who comes to treatment , how long they have been using, … •Recovery is a process far more complicated and complex than just ending the use of chemical substances. •Dr. Childress- “So the hope of the future is medications and behavioral treatments that can combine to literally reset the brain.” •Rehabilitation will teach people what they must be prepared to do in order to manage and contain their addiction- in the same way individuals with diabetes must learn to manage their lives and control their illness
Recovery: How should I live my life? Live life with honesty, live life with gratitude and live life as part of a team. “ **2
Due to adaptation and compensation over time, a person changes his entire lifestyle and the entire spectrum of human actions on physical, psychological, behavioral and social levels. When the physical aspect of disease is treated (i.e. an addict stops using) without treating other aspects, the untreated levels induce relapse to the previous disease state. A total recovery program is essential- physical, psychological, and spiritual. If a person recovers physically but fails to recover psychologically, behaviorally, and socially, his illness will continue to limit him. Physical recovery alone is only partial recovery. Recovery is dependent upon a change of lifestyle.” Excerpts from Counseling for Relapse Prevention by Terence Gorski and Merlene Miller
When to seek medical advice: Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder, meaning you tend to fall back into old addictive behaviors, including drug use, even after treatment. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances are for a long-term recovery. If you're initially reluctant to approach a doctor, help lines or hot lines may be a good place to start to learn about treatment.
Because denial is often a characteristic of addiction, many people who are addicted to or who abuse drugs won't seek medical treatment on their own. Family members, friends or co-workers may need to persuade the user to undergo screening for drug addiction. Breaking a drug addiction may involve counseling, an outpatient treatment program or residential treatment. Mayo clinic
Oxycodone will eventually change the brain in such a way that users cannot quit on their own. (CESAR- Center for Substance Abuse Research)
Residential, outpatient, AA/NA meeting, chemical help.... there are many options and many different types of programs. Most recovery programs include attending 12-step programs. Begin attending AA/NA meetings as soon as possible. Get involved and begin to build a support group.
Do your research... 1. Have an independent doctor, psychiatrist or counselor assess the addict to determine the best program for him or her. 2. Call various treatment centers for the best fit. (You should get recommendations from the experts you consult) For example, some programs offer only outpatient services, some follow the 12-step program theory, others don’t allow the use of suboxone. See list of questions for recovery programs
It is important to remember that 96% of opiate addicts relapse after their first detox/recovery attempt. Coping skills- Mayo clinic
Locate programs in the United States: SAMHSA Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration Recovery Facilities:
Salvation Army-Nationwide programs South Central East West The centers are open to all men who have an identifiable and treatable handicap regardless of race, color or religious belief. The success rate of this Salvation Army program is high. There are over 100 centers across the United States. Many include similar programs for women. There is no cost or fees. Please support your local Salvation Army Thrift Shop as their profits cover the cost of these and similar programs offered by the Salvation Army.
Narconon Gulf Coast- local link but has nationwide programs... their philosophy involves one-on-one recovery program VIDEO
Celebration Recovery- nationwide program
Phoenix House - Nationwide Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention services
Hazelden For individuals, families, and communities struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs, Hazelden (a nonprofit organization) helps people transform their lives by providing the highest quality treatment and continuing care services, education, research, and publishing products available today.
Comunita Cenacolo This is a community life approach to recovery. View website for more information.
Gateway Rehab If you enjoyed Dr. Twerski’s book (s) you may want to look at his Rehab Centers and his Twelve Steps to Healthy Self-Esteem Program
Additional Info: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Alcohol & Drug Addiction..U.S. Dept. of Health Involuntary Treatment Voluntary Treatment - Florida Google your State to see if it offers any programs
Call your local anonymous groups to ask them which meetings will best fit your situation. Most of the time they are very helpful and offer good information. Narcotics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous Recoveries Anonymous Al-Anon (for families of addicts (has a very good teen program)
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