Successful recovery from addiction is entirely possible for anyone. There is no cure for addiction, but the disease can be managed and sufferers can create lives of happiness, joyousness, and freedom without the use of alcohol and drugs. Many people enter into treatment unable or unwilling to embrace a life of abstinence from alcohol and drugs, but with enough open-mindedness, honest, and willingness, anyone can successfully overcome addiction and alcoholism. Effective treatment must take into account the unique challenges faced by each individual. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, in Principles of Effective Treatment, explains, “No single treatment is appropriate for everyone. Treatment varies depending on the type of drug and the characteristics of the patients. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual’s particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.” Treatment involves changing deeply embedded behaviors, and success depends on one’s willingness to address all underlying causes of their addiction. Relapse rates within the first year after treatment—about 40 to 60 percent—mirror the reoccurrence of symptoms in other diseases. The NIDA explains, “Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects on the brain and behavior and to regain control of their lives. The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing to drug abuse is not only possible but also likely, with symptom recurrence rates similar to those for other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses—such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma (see figure, “Comparison of Relapse Rates Between Drug Addiction and Other Chronic Illnesses”)—that also have both physiological and behavioral components.” Often, men and women in recovery will face relapse at some point, but it often allows them to gain a greater understanding of what they need to do to maintain sobriety after treatment. Relapse is not a sign of failure, it simply means adjustments must be made to promote sobriety. There are a variety of things we can do to increase our chances of successful recovery. Maintaining honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness during the treatment process is imperative to successfully maintain sobriety. After treatment has ended, we should continue our engagement with a recovery program and follow through each day with the suggestions of our program. Recovery may be challenging, but is possible for anyone, no matter how far they may have fallen into addiction.
Your story can be one of happiness, joyousness, and freedom in sobriety. You can make the decision to seek help now and embark upon the rewarding journey of recovery. Oceanfront Recovery, located in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with compassionate professionals dedicated to helping clients develop all the tools needed to achieve and maintain a fulfilling life, free from drugs and alcohol. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
