September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate those committing to recovery and educate Amercians about substance use disorder. Axiom Care aims to support those in recovery by educating our Arizona community and inspiring hope for a life of health and wellness after addiction. In honor of National Recovery Month, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about addiction recovery. Our goal is to offer clarity and provide guidance for those in recovery or supporting someone in recovery.
1) What is Addiction Recovery?
Addiction recovery is a complex and personal process that is “defined as a process of improved physical, psychological, and social well-being and health after having suffered from a substance-related condition” (according to the Recovery Research Institute). It is important to understand that recovery is not simply about stopping the substance.
Recovery often involves learning to handle triggers and stressful environments, rebuilding relationships, and reintegrating into society without dependence on drugs or alcohol. At Axiom Care, recovery involves therapy, support groups, medications, employment and housing support, and ongoing development for long-term sobriety.
2) How Long Does Addiction Recovery Take?
The length of addiction recovery can vary from person to person and the type of treatment they are receiving. It is also dependent on the substance someone is recovering from, the duration of addiction, and individual health. At Axiom Care, observation is about 24 hours, detox treatment lasts from 4-7 days, and residential treatment lasts from 30-90 days.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that addiction treatment last at least 90 days for greater effectiveness, though it does take a lifelong commitment to maintain sobriety. Our team at Axiom Care is committed to providing those in treatment with the tools and resources to change their behavior and outcome post-treatment.
3) What Are the Stages of Addiction Recovery?
Addiction care is generally divided into five stages (called the Transtheoretical Model), each of which describes a different phase of the journey to recovery. Understanding these stages can help those in recovery (or those supporting someone in recovery) navigate the process more effectively.
1. Precontemplation
In the first stage of addiction recovery, the precontemplation stage, individuals may be in denial, unaware of the negative consequences, or have noticeable appearance or behavioral changes due to substance use. They could be in denial, unaware of the negative consequences of their actions, or have noticeable appearance or behavioral changes. In this stage, the focus is on bringing awareness to the disorder and encouraging reflection.
2. Contemplation
The contemplation stage is when individuals accept the presence of a problem and consider the possibility of a change (e.g., addiction treatment). In this stage, individuals weigh the pros and cons of seeking help and begin exploring treatment options. This stage is important for encouraging patients to commit to recovery.
3. Preparation
In the preparation stage, individuals are motivated and ready to take action regarding addiction. This can include making concrete plans, setting recovery goals, and reaching out to treatment centers and other resources. This stage lays the groundwork for effective action and long-term recovery.
4. Action
The action stage is where an individual actively participates in treatment and practices coping strategies. These could include attending therapy sessions, joining support groups, making lifestyle changes like exercising or volunteering, or getting a job and budgeting creating a budget. The goal is to build new and healthy habits that can replace addictive behaviors.
5. Maintenance
The maintenance stage, which is lifelong, involves executing and nurturing progress made in the action stage. This involves an ongoing commitment to recovery through support groups or counseling, and self-reflection and growth. The goal in the maintenance phase is to avoid relapse and create a fulfilling life in recovery.
4) How Can I Help Someone in Addiction Recovery?
Supporting someone in addiction recovery is about empathy, patience, and understanding. Many people feel overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted by the time they reach the recovery phase, but a supportive community is one of the most important factors in recovery. Here are ways you can offer support:
- Education: Learn about the disease of addiction and its treatment to better understand what people in recovery are going through.
- Be Present: Offer a listening ear. Let them know they are not alone in their journey.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Support their efforts to live a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising, cooking, volunteering, or meditating.
- Set Boundaries: Maintain healthy boundaries and avoid enabling addictive behaviors or triggering environments.
- Celebrate Milestones: In recovery, every milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Acknowledging every step forward boosts confidence and motivation.
5) What Should I Say to Someone in Recovery from Addiction?
When communicating with someone in recovery, it’s important to be mindful of your tone and words and offer emotional, motivational, and relationship-strengthening support. Here are a few examples of supportive things you can say to someone in recovery:
- Emotional Support: “I’m here to listen whenever you need to talk, without judgment.”
- Motivational Support: “I see how hard you’re working, and I’m impressed by your dedication.”
- Relationship Strengthening: “I understand that this is difficult for both of us, and I’m committed to working through it together.”
What Not to Say to Someone in Recovery
Avoid dismissive or judgemental comments, like:
- “You should be further along by now, why are you still struggling?”
- “If you loved me, you wouldn’t relapse.”
- “I’m not going to trust you until you prove you’re worthy of it.”
- “Can’t you just have one drink?”
Visit our blog, Family & Addiction: The Importance of a Support System in Recovery, for more information on what to say, what not to say, and how to set boundaries.
Need Help with Addiction Recovery?
With the right support and resources, the challenging journey of addiction recovery can bring lasting sobriety and a fulfilling life. Axiom Care is committed to providing holistic and empathetic care to those in recovery, from detox treatment onward. With Medication-Assisted Treatment in detox, counseling and life planning in residential treatment, and community resources, we are here to help every step of the way. Contact our team today for more information on addiction treatment in the Phoenix Area and join us in celebrating every recovery milestone!