Addiction is a challenge for many people in recovery. If they fail to find appropriate resources to help in recovery, most people go back to addiction. For this reason, persons affected by addiction must get quality resources like outreach and education, access to treatment, counseling and behavioral therapies, and medically assisted detoxification, among others.
Outreach and Education
Outreach and education are essential resources. Every addict must accept that they are sick and that addiction affects their friends, families, and communities. In this program, you learn:
- The different stages of addiction
- The tools to use in fighting addiction
- Support groups that can help in recovery
- Behavioral therapy
Also, those looking for assistance can find information through educational webinars like the quit drinking webinar that aids struggling alcoholics. It is a relatively simple thing, but it can go a long way towards helping someone beat their addictive habit. They are also frequently taught in schools, especially to 13-17 years old students.
Access to Treatment
Access to treatment is a vital part of the recovery process. When people have access to quality treatment, their chances of recovering improve. There are many treatment resources, but drug addiction treatment centers are the most common. These centers offer behavioral therapy, which is the most effective way to reduce cravings and curb the behavior of those affected by addiction.
Other treatment resources are available, like residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics. The best thing about these resources is that they are accessible over long periods. While this may be a good thing, it also means that one needs to plan when choosing programs.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapies are in-program resources. These are programs that are taught to you during your treatment. Counselors give you the tools that you need to fight for long-term recovery. Behavioral therapy helps one get rid of cravings, live an anti-addiction lifestyle, and learn how to control their emotions. A person affected by addiction needs access to quality resources like counseling and behavioral therapy.
Medically Assisted Detoxification
Medically assisted detoxification is another essential program that gives access to quality treatment for a person affected by addiction. The only way to detox from substance abuse and addiction is medically assisted detoxification. However, the methods may have limitations. The long-term success rate of medically assisted detoxification is not as high as with the other methods.
Medical aid does not tend to have the same effect on the body compared to other forms of treatment. It means there will be many cases in which one may still be dependent on drugs after being released from a program like this, which leads to more problems during recovery. For this reason, medically assisted detoxification should be a last resort. When it does have to be used, one needs to get the best care.
Community Supports
Community supports are also an excellent resource for those affected by addiction. A community support group can help someone stay sober for life if they commit to following the guidelines set by these groups. One of the main benefits of community supports is that they are always available year in and out. It means that those affected by addiction can always have access to quality resources and will be available to help them get back on track if required. These are also good because they are organized by local people who have been through similar experiences in recovery. There is an excellent chance that these people would be close friends or family members of the affected person.
Community supports consist of many different groups such as:
- AA/NA groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Dual diagnosis recovery support groups
- Local 12-step community support networks
Long Term Follow-up
Long-term follow-up is a resource used by many people in recovery. There are different ways to deal with addiction, and that is why it is essential for someone affected by addiction to have access to long-term follow-up. It means one will have ongoing support available, no matter the circumstances. Some programs will help one stay sober over long periods. These can be accessed through various resources like residential drug and alcohol treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and faith-based rehabilitation programs.
A lot can be done to help the affected to get better. These include:
- working with the government to increase funding for community support.
- working with insurance companies to ensure that they cover all aspects of treatment.
- working with local communities to set up resources that can help those in recovery get their lives back on track.
By providing such support, persons suffering from addiction will improve their habits, which will make them better equipped for the long journey ahead.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
