Supports in recovery play an integral role throughout every stage of addiction treatment, whether an individual is just taking their first step into a dedicated medical detox program or is continuing to balance their continued sobriety and their personal life in outpatient care. However, not all supports will be able to offer the same level of care throughout the recovery process.
Professional treatment for overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) and any accompanying mental health disorders, challenges, stresses, and more, is necessary for an effective and transformative journey to a sober life. However, there can be a plethora of unnecessary barriers that may stand in the way of committing to treatment.
Romantic relationships are not necessarily a part of every recovery journey, and if or when an individual decides to pursue a romantic relationship in their sober lives is a personal matter. However, if an individual has been developing the skills necessary to pursue romance in recovery, it is still important to ensure that the development of these relationships keeps an individual’s sober goals still in mind. Each relationship will have its own challenges and nuance. However, there are strategies to help develop these romantic relationships with the most support and understanding possible for each person’s continued sobriety.
Addiction affects every facet of daily life. Effective recovery programs are prepared to address not just the urges, cravings, or immediate symptoms of addiction, but also the lifestyle changes and other needs to create a truly transformative recovery experience. Feelings of isolation can be exceptionally common, with many feeling alone in overcoming these challenges. While this can be difficult for anyone, men overcoming addiction and navigating their own needs can be met with their own unique barriers, particularly when addressing their social needs. Creating a space for men to deconstruct barriers and develop an accepting social network is necessary for developing a healthy lifestyle in recovery.
The use of technology and digital media can present many challenges for those navigating their recovery from drugs or alcohol. However, they can also be powerful tools to further each person’s recovery efforts. Balancing and moderating the use of technology can be instrumental in helping those in recovery connect with like-minded peers and share effective recovery goals and practices while also maintaining a culture of motivation and progress that can benefit recovery at any stage.
Recovery is an ongoing effort, and the support garnered by friends, family, professionals, and peers can be wholly transformational. While it is not completely necessary, many of those overcoming the challenges of addiction recovery and navigating their sober lives choose to give back to the communities that supported them through both their accomplishments and times of need. However, this doesn’t mean that each individual will give back to these people and communities in the same way. Finding each individual’s best way of giving back can continue to provide support for others while also motivating an individual to continue working towards their best sober life.
Each journey in overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) will be wholly unique. No two people will have the exact same experiences, needs, or goals throughout recovery. This is why finding the right program to tend to each person’s personal needs and goals in recovery is essential. Intensive outpatient programs, or “IOPs,” are one type of program that can provide many advantages for those continuing to further their sober journey. However, it is important to understand the advantages and limitations of IOPs to ensure that each person is receiving the most pertinent and impactful treatment possible while establishing their sober life.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common and devastating disease that affects numerous individuals across the United States. While men and women are equally affected by the effects of alcohol addiction, AUD can affect more men than women due to a number of factors. Addressing the prevalence of alcohol use among men and the reasons behind the disparity is crucial in creating an effective approach to treatment for men overcoming their use of alcohol and the various ways that AUD has affected their lives.
Addiction is a disease that affects entire families. However, for parents concerned about their child’s engagement in such destructive and addictive substances, the prospect of addiction can be wholly terrifying. A child’s use of drugs or alcohol can be detrimental to not only the child’s physical and mental health but also to the entire family unit. Identifying the signs and symptoms of substance use in a child is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery.
The use of drugs and alcohol can often result from other emotional factors, with feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and more all informing an individual’s decision to use addictive substances to cope. Social anxiety is a prevalent and difficult condition that can influence the use of drugs or alcohol.