Addiction Recovery Information

There are a number of different substances to which people can become addicted, including illegal drugs, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, cigarettes and alcohol. Addiction recovery is a process by which an individual with an addiction can seek help for both the physical and the emotional aspects of the addiction and the hold that it has on them.

Significance

• Addiction is different for everyone, so the addiction recovery process is also unique from one person to the next. The biggest significance in addiction recovery comes for people who cannot kick addiction on their own. There are also degrees of addiction due to the power of the abused substance. For instance, quitting a cigarette habit or an emotional addiction to marijuana is not the same as trying to overcome a heroin or alcohol addiction.

Types

• There are a number of different types of addiction recovery depending on the type of addiction, the length of the addiction and the intensity of the addiction. Most types of recovery are categorized based on the addictive act or substance. Treatment for drugs, alcohol, depression, gambling addiction, eating disorders, smoking and sex addiction are all examples of addiction recovery treatment options.

Time Frame

• There are short-term and long-term addiction recovery treatments, depending on the need of the client. Short-term addiction recovery can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Long-term addiction recovery options can easily last as long as a year for clients dealing with much stronger addiction problems.

Features

• There are two main features of addiction recovery programs. The first step is to overcome physical addiction through detoxification and healing. The second step in the addiction recovery process is the therapy and treatment stage, which involves making lifestyle changes and eliminating bad habits in favor of healthier ones. Both of these steps are necessary to prevent the addiction problems from reoccurring. Addiction recovery programs are also capable of being short-term and long-term, inpatient or outpatient. Working with an addition recovery counselor can help you determine which of these addiction recovery programs will suit you.

Misconceptions

• One of the misconceptions that is often associated with individuals needing addiction recovery or rehabilitation is that once you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, you will always be one. This is not always necessarily the case, as with the right addiction recovery assistance, people with addiction issues can overcome these vices. Recovering from an addiction will involve creating healthy habits and processes to move on with one's life without the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Next Steps

• The resources section of this article provides a jumping off point for people with addicted personalities that are looking for help. Working with an addiction recovery counselor will help you determine where you stand and where to go from here in order to get the help that you need. Nobody has to go through addiction recovery on their own and the right assistance is out there when you are prepared to ask for it.