Long-term recovery from drugs and alcohol can be achieved but there are keys to recovery.

Some people believe that a person can never “recover” from a drug and alcohol addiction and from some addicts behaviors it may seem a true statement. We at Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services want to offer some fundamentals for successfully achieving sobriety and keeping it.

Keys to Getting and Staying Drug Free

Comfortable Withdraw
The withdrawl process can be quite uncomfortable and for many addicts the thought of withdrawl brings fear and anxiety. Some drugs like benzos, alcohol and opiates may require a medical withdraw that use drugs to safely get the person of off the drugs. A positive experience during the withdrawl process can set the tone for the rest of the program. If a person is too uncomfortable during the withdrawal process they may abandon the entire process; the addict knows that all they need is one drink or one dose of opiates to feel better.

Short-Term or Long-Term Treatment
People do not become addicted overnight. An addiction is typically developed over years and unfortunately there is no quick fix. The addicted person develops patterns of behavior and the patterns must be broken. If a long term treatment center is available it may prove to offer the greatest chance of success in recovery. If a long term program is not available it is important to have a support group set up when the addict returns to his old environment.

Support of the Family and Relationship Repair
When you have an addict in your life their behaviors and actions can wreak havoc in the family; addiction effects the entire family It is important that you know that the addict is solely responsible for his actions and behaviors; it is not your fault that your loved one is addicted. When the addict finally checks into rehab the family gets a break from the stress and worry. One of the ways to insure success in recovery is to give the addict ample opportunity to repair and rebuild relationships with their families. It is hard to return for an addict to return to his old environment and the family will initially be the support therefore relationship repair needs to be addressed in treatment.

Continued Work
There is no miracle cure for addiction. Going to rehab not an insurance policy against relapse, a person has to work at staying clean. We all have a purpose in life and have a need to be productive. If the addict does not have structure and a purpose in their lives they will more than likely relapse. Make sure that the person has a plan of action and that it is followed through. It is recommended that the person develop a support system.

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