Substance Abuse Recovery Issues

Substance abuse and addiction can affect an individual's career, personal relationships and feelings of self worth. Once an individual embarks on the road to recovery, he faces many challenges. Knowing these challenges and how to address them can help improve the odds of success.

Predicting Relapse

• Although substance abuse is a "chronic, relapsing illness," knowing the factors that increase the likelihood of relapse can help an individual plan a more effective recovery with fewer relapses. Former substance abusers who are male, have less than a high school education, live alone, are unemployed, do not take part in long-term substance abuse treatment and have other mental illnesses are far more likely to relapse than other recovering substance abusers, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Finding the Right Treatment

• Substance abuse and addiction is a disease with effective treatment options, but not all treatments work for all people. Categories of treatment include behavioral treatments and medical treatments. Behavioral treatments range from therapy to self-help groups and 12-step programs. Medical treatments involve the use of psychiatric or other drugs that replace the abused substance, such as methadone use instead of heroine use. Substance abusers must explore treatment programs to determine the therapy or program best suited for them. If a particular therapy or program does not work, the addict must find an alternative program that is more effective.

Finding Support

• Since living alone and discontinuing treatment can increase the likelihood of relapse, social support is a critical part of recovery. Counseling, both group and individual, can help support recovering addicts. Many hospitals, clinics and mental health organizations offer free group therapy for recovering individuals. In addition, those with recurring or severe substance abuse issues may chose residential treatment programs. These programs may last from three to 12 months and require an individual to live in a residential treatment center or therapeutic community.

Addressing Mental Health Issues

• Many individuals with substance abuse problems also have mental illnesses. It's important to address any psychiatric issues or other underlying issues that might be exacerbating recovery problems. Clients with severe mental disorders face a greater long-term risk of relapse than abusers without disorders.