Addiction Recovery: Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem

By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. There is a chapter in the book Alcoholics Anonymous called “We Agnostics” that explains how to approach the 12 steps without having a belief in a higher power. Many agnostics and atheists have found lasting recovery through the fellowship and accountability aspects of AA without embracing a spiritual higher power. For more information and resources on how to find quality alcohol treatment, visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator.

Risk Factors Which Make Addictions in Teens Likelier

• It’s okay to change to a different professional or program, but it’s also important to give the treatment time to work.
• These stages were developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as a resource on individual drug counseling for healthcare providers, but it is also a useful model for recovery from alcohol addiction.
• If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at
• Research has shown that including family and friends in the recovery process significantly improves rehab outcomes.
• It is a good idea to call ahead and ask the facility for a packing list and what items are considered contraband, such as cell phones.
• Sometimes they’ll work with your family too if you need extra support—they won’t do this without your permission.

These moments are proof of your strength and dedication, encouraging you to keep moving forward in your recovery journey. As you progress, setting and reaching longer-term goals like one year of sobriety or returning to school or work becomes important. Each milestone represents not just time passed, but growth and resilience. Motivational Interviewing (MI) encourages individuals to find their own motivation for change, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills to cope with stress and regulate emotions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Drugs or Alcohol in Rehab Centers

Figuring out what to bring to drug and alcohol rehab can ensure not only that your stay how long is drug rehab is as comfortable as possible but also that you’re well prepared for the treatment experience. When it comes to addiction, seeking treatment is a crucial step toward rebuilding your life. Inpatient treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, MAT, and PHP are some of the common types of rehabilitation programs available. This leads to continuous healing and support when finding a group to belong to after treatment, often found in traditional 12-step communities like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Once those are identified, the therapist will guide you toward new, healthier responses to those triggers.

Rehab Services at American Addiction Centers

Balanced nutrition can help you manage the stress of recovery and even curb withdrawal cravings. The Council on Recovery is more than just a treatment center; it is a hub for community support and education. We host a range of events, support groups, educational seminars, podcasts, and Twelve-Step meetings to connect individuals and families with valuable resources and peer support. Additionally, our Resource page offers insightful articles and tips related to addiction and recovery, providing ongoing support and information to those in need. Many people who are struggling with addiction may also deal with co-occurring disorders or mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Our outpatient program addresses these needs through integrated treatment plans that aim to heal both the mind and body.

The intensity of support offered in inpatient rehab makes this a treatment option recommended for severe cases of substance abuse or if an individual is experiencing both substance abuse and another mental health disorder. Different rehab programs offer different approaches that can be traditional, alternative, or holistic. There might also be family therapy and group therapy sessions during this stage. After approximately 90 days of continuous abstinence, you will move from the early abstinence stage of recovery to the third stage, maintaining abstinence.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

• By giving them a call, they can let you know what your options are for finding a facility.
• The following weeks involve intensivetherapy and around-the-clock programming.
• It is during this early abstinence stage that your trained addiction counselor will begin to teach you the coping skills that you need to lead a sober lifestyle.
• The goal of this meeting is to get to know you and your situation to create a customized care plan for your time in rehab.
• Arrange a convenient time for a comprehensive assessment with one of our experienced therapists or counselors.

You might experience physical cravings, like a strong urge to use, and psychological cravings, such as thoughts about substances. Repeated drug use can weaken the brain’s decision-making capabilities. This affects your ability to control urges, making you more likely to continue using despite harmful consequences.

• At The Council on Recovery, we are dedicated to providing you with the support and resources you need to succeed on your path to recovery.
• A sign that you need help managing your addiction is when substance use negatively affects many aspects of your life, such as your job, your relationships, your hobbies, your mental health, and/or your physical health.
• AA can be a helpful program for many people who are trying to quit alcohol and other substances, but it is not the only option.
• Once you arrive at the facility, you’ll usually meet with an admissions coordinator, a therapist and a nurse.
• For more information and resources on how to find quality alcohol treatment, visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator.

Many facilities base their treatment on spiritual 12-step programs or incorporate the 12 steps into their programs, but there are also facilities that specifically do not use the 12-step approach or faith-based methods. Many people quit drinking and using drugs by using medical, evidence-based, and therapeutic treatment methods alone, such as detoxification treatment or pharmacological interventions. For any alcohol or drug rehabilitation program to work, the person seeking sobriety must not feel alienated or uncomfortable with the beliefs or practices it puts forth. You may want to bring your phone, laptop and other small electronic devices, like a tablet or e-reader, to rehab. AdCare Treatment Centers don’t allow electronic devices outside of phones.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Many rehab centers typically have a set time for “lights out,” when free time is done for the day and you’re encouraged to get to sleep. There are a few different types of rehab centers that you can consider. You do not have to determine which best fits you and your unique circumstances on your own. Usually a doctor, mental health professional, or social worker, as well as staff members at the rehab center, will help you decide. Developing a tolerance or dependence on a substance may be an indicator of addiction.