Addictions Recovery

The Road to Recovery

Recovery is possible, and understanding the process is crucial. It is important to recognize that recovery is not a linear path – it requires support, patience, and often professional intervention.

1. Acknowledgment and Acceptance: The first step in recovering from addiction is acknowledging the problem. This step may require an individual to confront uncomfortable truths about their usage and its effects on their lives.

2. Seeking Professional Help: Engaging with healthcare professionals, whether through therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation programs, can provide tailored support and guidance. In Canada, there are numerous resources available, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and local community support programs.

3. Building a Support Network: Recovery can be incredibly challenging without a strong support system. Family, friends, and support groups play a vital role in providing emotional backing and accountability.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Successful recovery often involves significant lifestyle changes. This may include adopting healthier habits, finding new interests, and avoiding triggers associated with past substance use.

5. Long-term Commitment: Recovery is a lifelong journey. It requires ongoing effort and vigilance to maintain a drug-free life. Engaging in regular counseling, support groups, and wellness activities can greatly enhance long-term recovery prospects.

Counselling

In counselling, therapists help their clients increase awareness of how their substance abuse have negatively affected their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy may be used to help clients understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their actions. Trauma-informed therapies can help those who have experienced a traumatic past that may have led them to substance use in the first place.

Clients learn about their core beliefs, and how these have impacted what they feel about themselves, which in turn have affected the decisions they made.

It would also have influenced how they see others in relation to themselves, and how this can impact their relationships.

The Canadian Assocation for Mental Health (CAMH) states that when mental health issues are present, even the smallest substance use could worsen the problem.

Other research has shown that trauma increases the risk for addictions.

In addition to overall mental wellbeing and support for addictions recovery, counselling promotes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Addiction counsellors can also help their clients manage cravings and temptations, and learn assertive communication techniques to express their needs with respect to their addiction.

As a result of counselling and an improved overall health, clients may feel the desire to reach out to form new relationships that are distant from their addictions.

Medications

In consultation with, and management by a family physician or psychiatrist, medications may be used to treat substance use and addictions.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse listed some of these medications:

• nicotine patch, gum, or an inhaler, or taking bupropion (Zyban) for smoking cessation.
• methadone or buprenorphine  for dependency on heroin or other opioids.
• Naltrexone (Revia) can reduce cravings for alcohol dependency.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) to decrease sickness and nausea from alcohol.

We stress again that any medications used to treat any kind of illness should be managed by a trained professional such as a family doctor or psychiatrist.

Withdrawal Management

Substance withdrawal management is a complex and often challenging process that can significantly impact individuals struggling with addiction.

The Center for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) states that, “people sometimes need short-term help dealing with substance use withdrawal. Withdrawal management helps them manage symptoms that happen when they stop using the substance. It helps prepare clients for long-term treatment. Clients also learn about substance use and treatment options.”

Treatment for addiction is not a one-size-fits-all approach.  It is unique to each person – based on the substance used, on the stage of dependency, the availability of family and friends for support.

Substance withdrawal can give rise to a plethora of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and nausea. In some cases, severe complications may arise that will require medical intervention. According to a study published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, approximately 20% of individuals undergoing withdrawal from alcohol or opioids may need some form of medical assistance during their recovery journey.

Therefore, navigating withdrawal should not be undertaken without professional support. Medical professionals can provide crucial monitoring and facilitate a safe withdrawal process. This ensures that individuals receive the appropriate medications and therapies to alleviate symptoms effectively.

Last and certainly not least, treatment success depends on the person’s willingness to change. It is essential to approach withdrawal management with the understanding that the process can be tumultuous. Individuals may experience fluctuations in their mental and emotional states, which is perfectly normal. There can be days of progress that feel encouraging, quickly followed by moments of relapse or heightened anxiety.

Recognizing and validating these emotional ups and downs is crucial for maintaining motivation and resilience during recovery.

Do you know someone who is struggling to recover from an addiction? Read here what loved ones can do.

As we as a community navigate the complexities of addiction and recovery, it is essential to foster conversations around mental health and substance abuse. The statistics are staggering, but together, we can strive towards a supportive environment for those affected by addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help. Recovery is possible, and there are resources available. Or make an appointment with one of our support team members today.

Meet our Addictions Recovery Support Team