- A Recovery Program is Essential.
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. At a minimum begin attending AA/NA meetings as soon as possible (90 meetings in 90 days is a great way to begin the recovery process). Get involved and begin to build a support group. While attending meetings put a complete recovery program together.
Why a recovery program essential: It would be great if an addict quit using and they were healed but the truth of the matter is recovery isn’t that easy. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABSTINENCE AND RECOVERY. Abstinence is the absolute first step. Then we need to address the physical and psychological damages the body and mind have undergone. Physically the person more than likely has let their body go. Most likely they have neglected food and exercise and would rather drink or use than do anything else. The lack have food and exercise may have made the body and mind weak. When they first stop using they may not feel like eating since they may be withdrawing and feel nauseated. Strongly encourage them to eat well-balanced meals and begin walking a little everyday. See Our Story/Recovery
Drug and Alcohol Services Information System (DASIS)- Fact Sheets, Statistics, Facility locator...
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, ...
See list of questions for recovery programs
3. I would immediately begin random drug testing.
4. Begin to study the disease of addiction...educate yourselves. The more you learn the better you will understand what is essential on the road to recovery. link to literature
“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.” **1
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)
Recovery:
•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
It is important to remember that 96% of opiate addicts relapse after their first detox/recovery attempt. Coping skills- Mayo clinic
Chart is from the article linked below.
“What can we expect from substance abuse treatment?”
Dept of Health and Human Service
Recovery Community Service Program- SAMHSA
Partners for Recovery- SAMHSA
Addiction Treatments Present and Past
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)
Locating a meeting Podcasts- first steps of Al-Anon Recovery
Locate programs in the United States: SAMHSA Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration
Locate physician treatment for Suboxone (Buprenorphine)- physician and treatment program
Recovery Facilities: Please research all your options. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee with any recovery program. It is how the addict chooses to accept their disease and work the program.
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.
Florida Facilities
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.
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
Facts on Taps for College and High School parents, students, and professionals
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
Warning: MEMPHIS RECOVERY CENTERS
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
Halfway Houses: I have not researched this yet...please google
Read our personal experience and advice with respect to our son’s recovery
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