The Keys to Living a Drug-Free Life

There are many factors involved in the equation of staying drug free. While no equation is exactly right from one addict to another, meaning no two drug addiction recovery programs are exactly the same, there are several variables that are quite similar. For starters, a person must realize that successful recovery includes much more than staying clean from drugs. True recovery is an ongoing process that includes mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Key Factor #1: Successful Addiction Recovery Completion

One of the key factors involved with living a drug-free life is successfully completing a treatment program. According to studies, the highest rate (70 percent) of substance abuse treatment completion occurs within long-term residential treatment facilities. Short-term residential programs also have a high completion rate (59 percent). On the flip side, outpatient services tend to have a low completion rate (44 percent). Keeping this in mind, if someone is in search of successful recovery, it is pertinent to evaluate which type of treatment will be the most valuable, and according to statistics, it is probably best to enter into a residential program, whether it is at a treatment center or through some type of short-term program.

Key Factor #2: Hope

Without hope, an addict will not be able to successfully stay clean from drugs. He or she must have hope in the fact that the recovery is real and attainable. There must be hope that the obstacles and barriers endured during recovery can be overcome. Unfortunately, many addicts have no hope; therefore, after entering into treatment, they drop out. In fact, over 25 percent of people who enter into recovery drop out due to their own choosing.

Key Factor #3: Self-Determination

No one can decide for an addict that successful recovery can be obtained. It is the addict's responsibility to decide for himself or herself that living a drug-free life will be accomplished.

Key Factor #4: Support Groups

An addict most definitely did not become addicted to a substance on his or her own. He or she had a culture that influenced the negative choices, and just the same, he or she will need support to live a drug-free life. Such support groups come in many forms; some of the most common being found within religious organizations. Other great places to turn to for support include friends and family members. In fact, addicts with close family support are much more likely to live a drug-free life than those who do not have the support.

Key Factor #5: Life-Encompassing

True addiction recovery does not focus solely on a person's addiction problem. In addition, it also focuses on an individual's mind, body, and spirit. By growing in and focusing on each of these areas, a drug-free life is much more likely to take place.

Key Factor #6: Addressing Trauma

To live a drug-free life, an addict must face and address any past or current trauma that has taken or is taking place in his or her life. To effectively accomplish this, it is best to obtain services from a professional substance abuse therapist. Many times, traumatic experiences that need to be dealt with include physical abuse and domestic violence situations; however, there are many other traumatic experiences that a person can go through.

Key Factor #7: Steering Clear of Old Friends

A large number of addicts are able to successfully complete treatment and maintain sobriety for an extended period of time; however, once running into old friends, such as those that they used to do drugs with, they can fall right back into their old addictive habits. Steering clear of old friends is one of the most important keys in being able to live a drug-free life.

Key Factor #8: Developing Patience

Another key factor in being able to live a drug-free life is the development of patience. Addicts must be patient with themselves, understanding that recovery is a lifelong process, as well as one that will have its ups and downs.

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Latest Statistics on Discharges from Substance Treatment Service

What is Addiction Recovery?

There are several phases that make up addiction recovery. From detox to actual treatment to aftercare programs, no two person's addiction recovery will be exactly the same. Some addicts will stay in detox longer than others while some stay in treatment programs longer than others. Even though no two people's recovery process will be the same, there are common things to look for and expect.

Phase I: Detox

Detox centers may or may not be part of an actual treatment facility. Some detox centers exist at hospitals, some are located in independent locations and others are located at treatment centers. When going through medical detox at a hospital, a person will not be allowed to leave until he or she has successfully detoxed. At most detox centers that do not offer medical detox services, a patient can leave at any time of his or her choosing. Due to this no-lock-down aspect, many patients do not make it past the detox phase of addiction recovery. During detox, a person will be monitored, either medically or non-medically, while he or she withdrawals from drugs and/or alcohol. Most patients can successfully detox in five to seven days; however, for those detoxing off of opiates and/or Xanax, detox can take up to two weeks.

Phase II: Entering a Treatment Program

The second phase of addiction recovery involves being admitted into a substance abuse treatment center. There are thousands of facilities located all across the globe, with each facility differing in its physical appearance as well as the services offered. Some centers offer only alcohol abuse rehabilitation or opiate abuse treatment; however, the most of them offer treatment for all types of substance abuse. Some centers are set up to offer services to teens or seniors, but the most of them offer services for anyone over the age of 18. Many centers offer services through primitive camp-style settings. On the other hand, some centers offer services through luxurious facilities, offering treatment programs, exercise training, nutritional counseling, swimming pool amenities and much more. When it comes to phase II of addiction recovery, a person will get what they pay for. Higher-end facilities will of course cost more money. It is important to note that the amount of money spent on a facility has little to do with a patient's chances of recovery success. Successful addiction recovery is based on a person's willingness to work the program.

Phase III: Taking Part in the Treatment Program

The third phase of addiction recovery involves taking part in a treatment program. The exact program that is to be taken part in will be decided upon by a patient's substance abuse counselor. This counselor will be met with as soon as a patient is admitted into a program. The counselor will usually ask the patient a series of questions, followed by creating a treatment plan. Most treatment programs consist of individual and group therapy sessions, recreational activities and more. The main goal of substance abuse treatment is to teach patients about their addiction issues as well as to teach them how to successfully overcome them.

Phase IV: Aftercare Programs

Unfortunately, a large number of people do not successfully complete the third phase of addiction recovery, meaning they quit their treatment program and begin abusing substances again; this return to substances is considered a relapse. Many addicts stay in a constant state of relapse for their entire lives. However, for those that do make it through the third phase, the fourth phase of addiction recovery involves taking part in aftercare programs. These programs are critical to an addict's ability to remain drug and alcohol free. Aftercare programs can include taking part in individual and group therapy meetings, intensive outpatient treatment, weekly check-ins or becoming a residence at a halfway house. The exact types of aftercare programs that a patient will need to take part in will be decided upon by the person's substance abuse counselor. Addiction recovery is a lifelong process. Even after treatment and aftercare programs have been successfully completed, a person must focus on living a life that promotes true addiction recovery. Great ways to go about doing this include staying involved in support groups, maintaining employment and staying away from people that use. Meta: Drug addiction recovery is vital in the path to sobriety. There are mutliple phases on the way.