Those with pre-existing conditions might experience a prolonged detox process. Medical detox is crucial in managing withdrawal symptoms effectively and safely, especially for substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines, which can lead to life-threatening complications. Supervised detox helps to stabilize individuals during this critical transition phase of recovery. No matter which pathway of recovery a person chooses, a common process of change underlies them all. The well-researched science of behavior change establishes that addictive behavior change, like any behavior change, is a process that starts long before there’s any visible shift in activity. Recovery from addiction is a complex and highly individualized process.

Health Considerations

We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned sober house by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser. Most overdoses will occur at this time because recovering addicts don’t realize that their newly low tolerance has made their usual dosage fatal. Read more about evidence based treatments that can help you reduce your alcohol use, particularly if you are finding it difficult to avoid alcohol.

Good News for Treating Opioid Dependence: New Breakthroughs

Given the interconnectedness of co-occurring disorders, it’s imperative that both are treated simultaneously for effective recovery. Treating only the addiction while neglecting the co-existing mental health issue may offer temporary relief but is unlikely to lead to lasting recovery. This is why programs like those offered at Verve Behavioral Health that specialize in dual diagnoses can be so beneficial. They provide a multidimensional approach that addresses both issues, thereby enhancing the chances of a full and sustained recovery.

• You may also find it necessary to change your routine so that you have less contact with people or settings that trigger cravings.
• Research shows that the following steps can help you move toward your recovery goals.
• After completing initial treatment, individuals are encouraged to engage in aftercare programs that provide ongoing support and resources.
• It’s essential to consider these individual factors when estimating the duration of recovery.
• Discover “I loved getting high – why did I change?” and embrace a transformative journey toward growth.

We are committed to healing everyone who enters our doors from the inside out. No matter what stage our guests enter treatment, we strive to meet them right where they are. Discover the effects of alcohol on blood pressure, from short-term impacts to long-term risks. Discover https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ how to cope with having narcissistic parents and embark on a journey towards healing and self-care.

Take Our “Do I Have a Substance Use Disorder?” Self-Assessment

Overcoming an addiction is among the greatest challenges an individual may ever have to face, but it’s also the major step toward living a healthier and happier life. Addiction affects your body, mind, and emotions, so recovery is not only about stopping the addiction but also about healing. In addition, taking drugs or alcohol to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal during abstinence actually causes those symptoms to be even worse the next time a person stops taking the substance. Substance addiction includes addiction to alcohol, heroin and cocaine, and prescription medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines, among others. There is a physical and psychological dependency on the chosen substance. Physical dependence involves withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used.

• If you’re surrounded by people who uplift and support you, the process can be less lonely and much easier.
• Professional help can take various forms, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and inpatient or outpatient treatment programs.
• The other important factor is how long you have dealt with your addiction.
• In this section, we will explore the general timeline of breaking an addiction, including the early stages of recovery, establishing sobriety, and long-term maintenance.

I Loved Getting High – Why Did I Change?

It is important to handle stress with exercise, counseling, and other healthy coping mechanisms during this time, to prevent relapse. These symptoms can be severe and unpredictable, varying greatly in intensity and duration from person to person. They may last just a few days, or for several months, and about 10% of benzodiazepine addicts experience anxiety, depression and insomnia for years afterward. Benzodiazepines are notorious for being unpredictable in their physical effects, both during use and during withdrawal. Once you are physically addicted, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking your drug of choice.

What is Rehab Therapy?

Lingering effects like fatigue, mood disturbances, and cravings persist for weeks or even months, a phenomenon known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). While an addiction/recovery timeline will not look exactly the same due to differences in substances used, frequency of use, and an individual’s genetic makeup. After one acknowledges a problem and a need to change, they engage in some form of treatment.

There are some friends who are better left behind—those who are linked to the addictive experience. People in the throes of addiction are not capable of the best form of friendship. Further, those friends can serve as a cue that sets off drug craving and challenges the recovery process.

There is a wide variety in the time it takes to break an addiction with the initial detox. In particular, research suggests that treating addiction to opioids should involve medication as the primary treatment, often combined with behavioral therapy or counseling. Medications are also available for addressing addiction to alcohol and nicotine.

These interventions can address the underlying factors contributing to the addiction, teach coping mechanisms, and provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to navigate their recovery. Seeking professional help is crucial when it comes to breaking an addiction. Addiction is a complex condition that often requires specialized treatment and support.

Recovery in itself is a journey, and while it can’t be hurried, you can always do something to make the path forward just a little bit easier. It’s a journey to establish a new pattern in life without the addiction. Generally speaking, your health defines much of the way to recovery. If you have any health problems, either physical or mental, this may prolong your recovery. That is why taking care of yourself is such an important point.