The goal of treatment for substance use disorder is to stop the misuse of drugs and alcohol that have progressively spiraled into addiction, causing negative consequences for an individual and their loved ones. However, the concept of recovery encompasses more than addiction treatment. It extends towards healing principles that allow people to reintegrate into society by pursuing their personal goals with support, optimism, and independence. Everyone’s recovery journey will differ, but the four key aspects are vital to achieving physical, mental, professional, and social well-being.
The first and most important key to lasting recovery is managing the disease of addiction and becoming physically and mentally healthy. Drugs and alcohol alter the chemicals in the brain, causing people to set aside their basic needs to fulfill their dependency. Programs like medication-assisted treatment connect a specialized medical provider who understands the scope of addiction with patients who often have co-occurring conditions directly related to their drug and alcohol use. Through treatment, these physicians provide FDA-approved medicine that helps regulate withdrawals and cravings while also addressing other health concerns such as liver disease, blood infections, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. By working with substance use counselors throughout the recovery journey in combination with MAT, patients have been shown to have the greatest chances of long-term success and better overall health.
While some people in recovery benefit from a support network and loved ones willing to work through the rebuilding phase with them, not all are so lucky. Thankfully, programs are available for people who need help finding stable living situations away from intimate partner violence, abuse, codependency, and other trauma that can make breaking away from addiction difficult. Advocates work tirelessly to assist those in recovery to find safety and resources of all kinds because they know that having a place to call home and the stability of a safe place to sleep is vital to prevent people from seeking substances to cope with their stressful surrounding environments.
Something people look forward to most when entering treatment is the ability to return to daily activities without the lurking black cloud of addiction hanging over them. Enjoying old and new hobbies, maintaining a job, attending school, and caring for their loved ones keep many patients on track even through the toughest days. Many patients feel grateful for having the mental and physical capacity and clarity free from substances to participate in the surrounding community and function as independent people not defined by substance use disorder as they work through past trauma and problems that lead them to substance misuse.
Addiction leads many down a dark path where they’ve found themselves in perilous circumstances surrounded by people who don’t necessarily care about their well-being. The role of community-building in recovery works to help people learn to trust others and build quality relationships with peers who have shared similar struggles. The importance of hope, love, support, belonging, and friendship can’t be understated through the process of treatment and recovery, as social networks have always been vital for people participating in society.
Middlesex Recovery has helped thousands of people from all walks of life address their substance use disorder and build towards a better future. Medical providers, nursing staff, and counselors specializing in addiction make up the Middlesex Recovery team at each office where patients are treated with compassion and respect as they take the most crucial step of their lives. Message or call the nearest Middlesex Recovery location today to learn more about medication-assisted treatment and the recovery programs available.
