What Are Different Paths of Recovery You Can Take?

Recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) is not a one-size-fits-all experience, nor should it be treated as such. Individualized treatment, which caters to the unique needs of every client, is necessary to establish effective treatment and recovery. There are many different treatment options available for those struggling with SUD, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. Before committing to a recovery program, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with several of these effective treatment options.?

12-STEP PROGRAMS

The Twelve Steps were created by Bill Wilson in 1938 to help individuals who struggled with alcohol use regain control over their lives. Since then, the Twelve Steps have been generalized to help individuals who struggle with any kind of substance abuse achieve and maintain sobriety. Common substances and behaviors that individuals in 12-Step groups seek refuge from include the following:

• Alcohol
• Stimulants, such as cocaine
• Heroin and opioids
• Marijuana
• Prescription medications
• Nicotine
• Overeating
• Sex
• Gambling

What Are the Twelve Steps?

12-Step groups give individuals a safe space to be open about their experiences and learn from others. This sense of community is extremely important when it comes to maintaining a sober lifestyle. These groups also help individuals learn how to take responsibility for themselves, mend relationships, and focus on changing their lives for the better.

The Twelve Steps are as follows:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Decided to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

If individuals are curious about implementing the Twelve Steps into their recovery, they can research online and find local meetings in their community. If this proves to be a taxing task, there are professionals who can help.

SMART RECOVERY PROGRAMS

SMART Recovery stands for self-management and recovery training. It is a treatment methodology that helps individuals (no matter what their circumstance is) to live a fulfilling life that is free from the bonds of SUD. These treatment programs offer both in-person and online meetings, free for individuals to choose from. During these meetings, individuals learn more about themselves and the recovery process. The process of recovery allows them to craft their own, unique recovery plan that resonates with them specifically. During these meetings, individuals work to:

• Build and maintain motivation for recovery
• Cope with cravings and withdrawals
• Manage difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Live a well-balanced life

Having the opportunity to trust others while giving them the space for freedom of choice throughout their recovery will allow them to rediscover a beautiful and meaningful life outside of ties of SUD.

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES

Therapy is often recognized as the most effective way that individuals can experience relief from their SUD. Although progress can take time, therapy helps clients to be honest with themselves about their challenging life experiences. Examples of therapeutic modalities that may be used during recovery include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Individual psychotherapy
• Individual psychoanalysis
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Family therapy

Therapy can allow individuals to freely express themselves in a safe space. During therapy sessions, individuals will work with therapists to learn more about themselves, their minds, and SUDs in general. Having this knowledge can encourage clients to learn how to create more fulfilling lives. Therapists will teach clients important coping skills to help them achieve their goals and live more peacefully.

SPIRITUAL GROUPS

Practicing spirituality can be a great way for individuals to find relief from SUD. Not only can spirituality help people find meaning and guidance in their lives, but it can also help them find a supportive community of individuals who are also looking to heal and grow.?

When some people think of spirituality, they may associate it with religion. Although individuals can practice religion if they feel that it resonates with them, spirituality and religion are two different practices. Spirituality is a personal quest for answers, while religion requires individuals to follow a specific set of beliefs. If clients are encouraged to practice something they do not connect with, it will not be beneficial for their recovery.?

Some openly spiritual practices include, but are not limited to:

• Meditation groups
• Yoga classes
• Spending time in nature
• Having quiet, alone time
• Expressing gratitude
• Reciting affirmations

Your treatment plan for recovery should cater to your individual needs. When treatment is individualized, your treatment plan will be effective and highly beneficial for you. There are many paths to recovery that you can take when crafting your treatment plan. Some popular treatment modalities include the Twelve Steps, SMART Recovery, therapy, and spiritual groups. There are many benefits to each of these treatment methods. The important part is to decide which one is best for you and resonates with your needs while in recovery. If you need help creating the perfect treatment plan for you and your needs, reach out to Next Level Recovery Associates today. Our recovery companions are happy to assist you with all of your recovery needs, including planning your recovery. To begin your unique path to recovery today, or to learn more about our facility, contact [email protected] .