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Once the problem of addiction is recognized, individuals can begin
the process of recovery by following a treatment plan. Recovery is
the process of overcoming both physical and psychological dependence
on a psychoactive drug, with a commitment to sobriety.
What is the difference between treatment
and recovery?
Treatment and recovery are interconnected, but not the same. As the
NIDA Principles of Drug Addiction indicate, treatment is an
important component to the recovery process.
According to the Center
for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), "treatment" is
defined as in- or outpatient services that focus on initiating and
maintaining an individual’s recovery from alcohol or drug abuse
and on preventing relapse. Treatment can include detoxification, group
or individual counseling, rehabilitation and the use of methadone
or other prescription medications. It also can involve drug or alcohol
education and self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Quite often, treatment is considered
the "light at the end of the tunnel" for those afflicted
with substance abuse addiction. Unlike addiction itself, treatment
is a positive process, involving a variety of support systems that
systematically help lead individuals to successful, fulfilling lives
without drugs and/or alcohol.
Individuals who have participated and completed treatment programs
are considered to be "in recovery." Thus, recovery is recognized
as "…an ongoing process of improvement--biologically, psychologically,
socially and spiritually--while attempting to maintain abstinence
from alcohol and other drugs." (Strawn, Julie, WIN, "Substance
Abuse Welfare Reform Policy," Issue Notes, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1/7/97.
p.3) Furthermore, individuals can be forced into treatment, but cannot
be forced into recovery. Recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse
is a voluntary process, and a strategy to reach recovery should include
treatment. Therefore, treatment is not a long-term solution to alcohol
and other drug addiction, but a commitment to recovery is. In addition,
some people become "clean and sober" solely through continuous
participation in 12-step programs, instead of through treatment. They,
too, consider themselves "in recovery."
What are the steps of recovery?
There are six stages that addicts must undergo for long-term recovery:
Transition – The period of time needed for the addict
to realize that safe use of alcohol or other drugs for them is not
possible.
Stabilization – The period of time in which the addict
experiences physical withdrawal and other medical problems and learns
how to separate from the people, places and things that promote drug
abuse.
Early recovery – When an individual faces the need
to establish a chemical-free lifestyle and builds relationships that
support long-term recovery.
Middle recovery – The time for developing a balanced
lifestyle where repairing past damage is critical.
Late recovery – The period of time in which the individual
identifies and changes mistaken beliefs about oneself, others, and
the world that causes or promotes irrational thinking.
Maintenance – The lifelong process of continued growth,
development and management of routine life problems.
Do addicts ever fully recover?
Addicts should realize that their life can never be the way it was
before their addiction. This does not mean that a recovering addict
cannot live a healthy and fulfilling life. Rather, addicts should
be aware that recovery is a process that always will need to be maintained.
Is abstinence/sobriety the same as recovery?
No. Sobriety or abstinence is simply refraining from the ingestion
of alcohol or other drugs. Recovery is the process by which the ingestion
of alcohol or other drugs is recognized as problematic and avoided.
Who are people in recovery?
Individuals recovering from substance abuse addiction have a chronic,
yet manageable disease. As such, these individuals should be treated
like people with other life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.
By its very definition, an individual "in recovery" is on
a life-altering path fraught with social stigma, isolation as well
as the possibility of relapse and failure. The availability of treatment
can make all the difference; and, given the chance, people in recovery
can make important contributions in the workplace. This is because
they:
- Recognize their chronic and possibly recurring disability;
- Often are more educated through treatment than they would be
without it because they often are self-motivated to learn;
- Create, cultivate and maintain extensive professional and peer
support networks as part of their commitment to recovery;
- Are self-aware and committed to change. They understand that
through their recovery, they have created their own "second
chance" or a "new lease on life;"
- Often are highly motivated to make up for past mistakes and lost
time; and
- Want to pursue meaningful employment.
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