STEP ONE:

The 1st step to treatment is deciding to make a change.  It is normal to have conflicting thoughts of getting help.  Let’s be honest, there are positive parts of your addiction and compulsive behavior.  It feels good and relieves stress.  Addictions are so often about FEELINGS . . . either avoiding bad feelings or enhancing good feelings.  Getting sober means figuring out how to handle these uncomfortable feelings and stress in a new, positive way.  It is a lifestyle change that will require you to look at your job, relationships, spiritual wellbeing, recreational activities, finances, and many other parts of your life that could affect your recovery process.

I encourage you to make a pros and cons list so you can see in black and white the good and bad parts of your addiction.  Be brutally honest with yourself.  Getting sober and staying sober will be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done . . . but you CAN do it!

I have had countless clients tell me that they feel they can kick addiction on their own without any other help.  Some addiction-bindspeople are successful but the large majority of people need help getting sober and staying sober.  Part of the process of recovery is recognizing thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to the addiction.  The term “dry drunk” is used for that person who is sober but continues to engage in addictive behaviors such as passive/aggressiveness, manipulation, uncontrolled anger, blaming other people or circumstances for their inability to succeed.  Whenever someone says “I’ve got this” . . . I know they are in trouble because they are already in the early stages of relapse.

STEP TWO:

The 2nd step is deciding what kind of treatment you want to engage in.  There is no “one stop shop” for recovery.  Everyone is different and has different needs when it comes to addiction recovery.

  • Detox:  If you are addicted to alcohol or benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.), do NOT attempt to stop using “cold turkey” . . . you need to wean yourself off of your drug of choice OR you need a medical detox facility.  It is possible to have life threatening seizures when detoxing from alcohol or benzos.  Unfortunately detoxing from opiates feels like you might die because the withdrawal is so intense, but it is not required to have medical detox . . . it will, however, make it more comfortable.
  • Inpatient treatment center:  Treatment centers are helpful because you are living in a safe environment which enables you to get used to being sober and become educated about your addiction with people that are struggling just like you. Inpatient treatment can range from a few days to several months.  A typical stay is 28-30 days.
  • Outpatient group therapy:  Group therapy can be a good place to begin becoming educated about addiction and examining your reasons for using in the first place.  This type of treatment can be an intensive outpatient therapy (SAIOP or SACOT) which is 3-4 hours a day 3-4 days a week for approximately 12 weeks or it can be a less intense group with individuals like you.
  • Individual outpatient therapy:  Engaging with a therapist on a regular basis can be an essential part of your recovery program.  In this environment you may feel more comfortable about discussing events in your childhood or personal life that have contributed to your addiction.  Finding the right therapist where you feel safe and supported can help you develop new coping skills, increase self esteem, and a more specific plan for overcoming the triggers and barriers in your recovery efforts.
  • Dual Diagnosis:  When someone is diagnosed with a second mental health issue in addition to an addiction diagnosis, it is termed a dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental health disorder.  It is important to treat both conditions at the same time. Mental health diagnoses such as depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychotic symptoms and compulsive disorders often co-occur with addictions.  There are medications available to reduce the symptoms that you may be experiencing such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers that will help support your recovery.

Making a commitment to stay engaged in treatment is essential to your success.  One of the first signs of relapse is disengaging in your treatment before it is complete . . . this can be a mental checkout as well as a physical checkout.

STEP THREE:

The 3rd step to recovery is lifestyle changes that support a sober life.  Developing a strong sober support network of people that you can call when you are having a bad day or the urge to use is essential.  Your sober support network may include your family and friends, a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous, a sponsor, and spiritual support/church.  Disengaging in negative relationships that could be a trigger is encouraged for successful recovery . . . people, places and things are what take us back to our old using behaviors.

STEP FOUR:

The 4th step to recovery is recognizing what relapse will look like for you.  We know that relapse begins long before you take the first drink, buy the first lottery ticket or open the first internet porn site.  It can begin a year in advance of the actual relapse.  Recognizing what your relapse symptoms are and sharing them with your sober support network is a crucial step in recovery.

  • negative emotional states (such as anger, sadness, trauma or stress)
  • physical discomfort (such as withdrawal symptoms or physical pain)
  • positive emotional states (wanting to feel even better)
  • testing personal control (“I can have just one drink”)
  • strong temptations or urges (cravings to use)
  • conflict with others (such as an argument with a spouse or partner)
  • social pressures to use (situations where it seems as though everyone else is drinking or using other drugs . . . parties, weddings, graduations, funerals)
  • good times with others (such as having fun with friends or family . . . family get- togethers, barbeques, vacation, beach weekends)

Let me help you:

  • decide where you are in the change process if you are having a difficult time making that decision
  • determine which treatment is appropriate for you
  • develop a strong relapse prevention plan
  • recognize what your relapse symptoms might look like

If you are reading this page, you’ve already made the first step to your best life.  Get in touch . . . 919-270-7277 or rchesson@chessoncounseling.com.