Addiction is a challenging and complex condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Whether it’s substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol or behavioral addictions like gambling, food, anger, or internet use, the path to recovery from addiction can be long and hard. However, with the right techniques and support from professionals, family, and friends, overcoming addiction is possible and the rewards are huge.
This blog outlines some of the most effective tools, techniques, and support systems used by professionals and individuals for addiction recovery.
Understanding Addiction
Before exploring recovery strategies, it is critical to understand the nature of addiction. Addiction is a chronic, progressive, and sometimes deadly disease characterized by compulsive drug use or engagement in particular behaviors, despite harmful consequences.
There are many things someone can become addicted to and that can affect a person’s personality and decision-making. From coffee to heroin to exercise.
Addiction affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory circuits, leading to dysfunctional behavioral patterns.
Types of Addiction
Here is a look at different types of addiction:
Substance addictions (any mood or mind altering substance that can be used legally or illegally that is used uncontrollably and outside any typical medical or social use):
- Alcohol
- Opioids (e.g., heroin, prescription painkillers)
- Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Cannabis
- Inappropriate use of laxatives, over-the-counter cough medicine, nicotine and caffeine
Behavioral addictions (any behavior that is uncontrollable and meant to alter one’s mood or thinking):
- Gambling
- Internet and gaming
- Sex and pornography
- Food
- Shopping
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
The cycle of addictive behaviors can be stopped at any time as long as the individual is ready and aware of the need to make critical changes.
Evidence based treatments means that these treatments have been tested over many years and have shown positive outcomes time and time again.
There are many different evidence-based approaches for the treatment of addiction. Many of these approaches are most effective when used in combination.
The first step along the path to Recovery is to seek help and guidance from professional medical providers and therapists to determine which pathways will work best for a particular person’s personality and needs.
Here is an overview of some of the approaches professionals and individuals consider and coming up with an effective plan:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used and effective psychotherapy for addiction treatment. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use or addictive behaviors.
Key aspects of CBT in addiction recovery:
- Identifying triggers and high-risk situations
- Developing coping strategies
- Enhancing self-awareness
- Building problem-solving skills
Individuals can learn and practice CBT techniques with the help of a therapist. You can become more aware of your patterns on your own but it is most effective with professional guidance. The goal is to incorporate CBT techniques in your daily life.
At the core CBT there is the belief that our thoughts control our feelings and that our feelings lead to our behaviors. For example, you might think about your favorite pet that causes happy and loving feelings. You are likely to then act in a happy, positive and loving way about other issues in your day. An example of sad thought might be the loss of a loved one. You feel sadness, loss, grief, or anger which might lead you to be more short-tempered with your friends or coworkers in that moment, maybe you drink alcohol to relax, or maybe you cry and retreat to be alone for a while.
To learn more about CBT, visit the NIH website here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI puts the power in your hands!
A trained MI Therapist helps you explore your behavior, decisions, goals and thinking patterns by asking you open-ended questions so that you can gain the insight needed on your own. You set the pace.
MI is a client-centered counseling approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence about change and strengthen their motivation to recover.
Benefits of MI:
- Increases engagement in treatment
- Enhances commitment to change
- Improves treatment outcomes
Learn more about motivational interviewing here: https://positivepsychology.com/motivational-interviewing/
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness is the practice of increasing your awareness of the present moment while accepting everything that it is and everything that you feel.
Mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), have shown promising results in addiction treatment.
Benefits of mindfulness in recovery:
- Reduces cravings
- Improves emotional regulation
- Enhances self-awareness
- Decreases stress and anxiety
Learn more about Mindfulness here: https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
Peer Support
Peer support plays a crucial role in addiction recovery, offering numerous benefits to individuals on their journey to sobriety. Peer recovery support services involve trained individuals with lived experience of addiction providing support to those in recovery.
Certified Peer Support (CPSS) is different from working with a professional because peers are there to use their life experiences to support you through your challenges. They walk with you, next to you. While your professionals bring you the clinical tools you need and teach you how to use them, your CPSS can be there with you, in the moment, to coach you while you are using the new tools.
Benefits of peer support:
- Reduces stigma
- Provides hope and inspiration
- Offers practical guidance and resources
- Enhances engagement in treatment
Building a Strong Support Network
In addition to a strong peer support group, a robust support network is essential for long-term recovery success.
Key components of a support network:
- Family and friends
- Therapists and counselors
- Sober living communities
- Recovery coaches
Learn more about the benefits of peer support here: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/brss_tacs/peers-supporting-recovery-substance-use-disorders-2017.pdf
12-Step Programs
100% peer lead support groups that will meet you where you are and teach you the process of finding recovery through 12 specific action related steps.
Twelve-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a structured approach to recovery based on peer support and spiritual principles.
Key elements of 12-step programs:
- Regular meetings
- Sponsorship
- Working through the 12 steps
- Service to others
To learn more about 12-Step Programs, visit this website: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/12-step
SMART Recovery
While very similar to 12 steps, SMART Recovery looks at the recovery process as more self management and control vs. the 12 steps reliance on a higher power to make the needed changes.
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a science-based alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on self-empowerment and self-reliance.
SMART Recovery principles:
- Building and maintaining motivation
- Coping with urges
- Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Living a balanced life
To learn more about SMART, visit this national website: https://smartrecovery.org/
Holistic Approaches to Addiction Recovery
A comprehensive recovery plan often incorporates holistic approaches that address the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
This approach looks at how the body interacts as one and how the different systems in your body affect and support each other–for example, how eating can affect your mood and how sleep can affect your ability to fight cravings.
Physical Exercise
Regular exercise has numerous benefits for individuals in recovery:
- Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Improves mood and reduces stress
- Enhances overall physical health
- Provides a healthy outlet for energy and emotions
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for healing the body and mind during recovery:
- Helps repair damage caused by substance abuse
- Stabilizes mood and energy levels
- Supports overall health and well-being
Sleep Hygiene
Establishing healthy sleep patterns is crucial for recovery:
- Improves cognitive function
- Enhances emotional regulation
- Supports physical healing
Stress Management Techniques
Effective stress management is vital for preventing relapse:
- Meditation and deep breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Time management and organization skills
Addressing Co-occurring Disorders
Many individuals with addiction also have co-occurring Brain health disorders. Integrated treatment addressing both addiction and mental health is crucial for effective recovery.
Some brain health diagnoses can enable addictive behaviors to flourish and make a person more prone to struggling with addiction. However, addiction itself can change the brain and create new brain health concerns that were not there before. It is very important to work with a professional to understand your condition and decide on the best treatment needed.
Common co-occurring disorders:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
To treat co-occurring disorders, individuals need the guidance and supervision of professional psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and a collaborative primary care team. A first place to start is with one’s primary care provider who can refer an individual to a specialist for evaluation and treatment.
Moving Forward with Addiction Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a challenging but achievable journey. By combining evidence-based treatments, peer support, holistic approaches, and a strong support network, individuals can build a solid foundation for lasting recovery.
It’s important to remember that recovery is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. Healthcare providers, individuals struggling with addiction, and their loved ones should work together to create a comprehensive, individualized recovery plan that addresses all aspects of the person’s life.
Remember, recovery is possible, and with the right tools and support, individuals can overcome addiction and lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
Catawba Valley Healthcare recognizes that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, similar to other chronic diseases. From medical professionals and brain health/mental health counselors to residential housing, peer support, group therapy, jail services, and more, Catawba Valley Healthcare is here to help anyone on their road to recovery.
Contact us for help or more information today @ (828) 695-5900 or www.cvhnc.org