Recovery Questions Answered: Part 1

“Recovery isn’t easy – at first. It takes time. Sometimes, it takes a lot more work than you may think you are willing to put in. Even though the journey is hard, it is worth every scare, every tear, and every moment of fear that comes with it. It’s worth it because the trade-off is this: you let go of your addiction, and you get back your life.” – National Clinical Director, Everett Lamb. 

When it comes to addiction recovery and sobriety, understandably, people have many questions. If you’re struggling with addiction – you’re struggling with a chronic disease that affects your brain and behavior. And while addiction recovery is absolutely worth it, it does take a passionate desire to achieve it because it can be a complex and challenging process. 

Addiction and its side effects can negatively impact your physical health, mental health, relationships, career, and overall quality of life, and successful recovery requires a comprehensive approach that addresses those factors. Because of how derailing and debilitating addiction can be, recovery usually involves various approaches and strategies, which can be confusing or overwhelming for people unfamiliar with the process.

Having a plethora of questions is absolutely typical and expected. Although it’s easy to allow the fear of the unknown to scare you off from recovery, the only way you’ll be able to see through to the other side of addiction is by getting the help you need. This crucial step in getting help will allow your questions, fears, and worries to be broken down into manageable pieces. You can definitely learn a lot from doing your own research, but when struggling with something as serious as addiction – you should get your help directly from individuals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and reliable, such as our professional team at Discovery Point Retreat. 

Once you’re in treatment, many of your questions will be answered naturally, most likely throughout your one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, or other teachable moments. These moments will allow you to accept other perspectives and ideations about recovery and sobriety so that you can begin to see and believe in the strength you possess. Remember, even in the face of the unknown, such as the act of seeking treatment that you’re doing right now, you’re already moving towards your journey to a life free of addiction. 

What is Recovery?

Achieving recovery from addiction generally means overcoming the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction and maintaining abstinence from the substance or behavior that was causing harm and dysfunction in your life. 

Recovery from addiction is a complex process and may involve a range of strategies, including medical treatment, therapy, self-help groups, and lifestyle changes. The specific approach to recovery can vary depending on the individual’s unique circumstances and the nature of their addiction.

Ultimately, recovery from addiction involves making lasting changes in life and achieving a sense of freedom and control over thoughts and behaviors.

What is Sobriety?

At its most superficial level, sobriety is the act of not drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is where most people in recovery naturally begin, first fighting the lingering effects of withdrawal and then working hard to maintain abstinence while fighting cravings for alcohol, both conscious and unconscious. In the context of addiction recovery, it typically means that an individual has made a conscious decision to stop using substances and is actively working to maintain that state of abstinence.

In addition to abstinence, sobriety often involves making lifestyle changes and developing new coping skills to manage triggers and cravings for drugs or alcohol. It may also involve participating in support groups, therapy, or other types of addiction treatment to address the underlying causes of the addiction to prevent relapse as much as possible. Once you move beyond rehab and the most acute risk of relapse, you may start to feel that purely abstaining from alcohol does not provide the reward or the motivation you need to pursue lasting sobriety. 

Sobriety, then, is about much more than just not using substances. By accepting life’s ups and downs, exploring new motivations, and by moving forward, you should find that you don’t need to be intoxicated to be happy. The strong emphasis on abstinence in our current understanding of sobriety can lead to a relatively narrow idea of recovery. This does not undermine the value of successfully quitting the compulsive use of substances in recovery: without this, recovery gets no traction. Taking a broader view, this is just one crucial component of an ongoing process.

A considerable reminder: Sobriety and recovery are very different, but they work together to create a solid foundation for you moving forward toward a more fulfilling life. It’s having a life where you don’t feel the need to lean into substances when fear, a response to a trigger, or other stressful situations arise in your life.

Most Commonly Asked Questions

Since this is a two-part response, we will break up the most common questions into two blogs. These are just a few examples, as people’s questions about sobriety vary widely based on their circumstances and experiences. We understand there are many more questions regarding sobriety and recovery out there, but if we can help you understand even a little bit more about sobriety and can reach someone who’s been wondering about these types of questions, we feel happy knowing we’ve helped even one person. 

Here are the top questions we will be answering in part 1: 

• How long does it take to achieve recovery?
• What are the benefits of recovery?
• Are treatment and recovery painful? 
• How do I begin to rebuild my life after treatment?

1. How long does it take to achieve recovery?

This is probably the most difficult to answer, as the amount of time it takes to get sober and achieve recovery when battling addiction can vary widely depending on various factors, including the severity of the addiction, the specific substance or behavior involved, and the individual.

Understandably, people are curious about how treatment works since recovery can be a lengthy and complex process. For most, the process of recovering from drug addiction is a life-long endeavor, as addiction is a disease and can be triggered. We want you to understand that recovery isn’t a one-time event but rather a lifelong process of managing addiction. And depending on the individual, recovery can occur quickly or over time, and some may struggle with relapse and need ongoing support. As crucial as abstinence from substances or behaviors that cause harm is, recovery also involves making significant lifestyle changes and addressing issues that may have contributed to the addiction. As a result, achieving and maintaining recovery requires ongoing commitment, support, and effort.

In general, research has found that addiction recovery is more likely to be successful when therapy and support are provided for more extended periods. At that time, various types of treatment may be used, such as medical treatment, therapy, and joining self-help groups or other support groups. As a result, the duration of recovery will vary from person to person based on their unique circumstances and progress throughout the recovery process.

About Detox: When people talk about how long it takes to detox, they mean how long it takes for withdrawal symptoms to appear and subside. Usually, medical detox treatment lasts for four days since these are the periods when most acute withdrawal symptoms occur. However, depending on what substances the individual uses, detox can last a different amount of time. When detoxifying from alcohol, for example, it takes different amounts of time than when detoxing from other drugs. The withdrawal symptoms of some short-acting drugs, such as methamphetamine, resolve within three days after the last use. It may, however, take ten days to detox from alcohol. Generally speaking, it takes about seven to ten days for the toxic chemicals to leave your body. We’ll monitor you closely, as it may take a little more or less time for each individual.

About Inpatient Rehab: It is likely that in most professional drug and alcohol detox programs, the detoxification process will only take a few days to complete. As a result, you can then transition to a more intensive rehab program in an inpatient setting. Inpatient rehab and residential rehab are both terms used to describe any treatment involving the individual leaving their house to live in a facility during their treatment. Our residential rehab offers a higher level of care than outpatient rehabs, with medical professionals on hand 24 hours a day to offer support and assistance. 

Depending on your needs and the progress made in recovery, rehab can last anywhere from a few days to over a year. Our inpatient rehab can last for a variety of lengths, including:

• 30-day rehab programs
• 60-day rehab programs
• 90-day rehab programs

However, it’s important to keep in mind that our addiction treatment programs and services are not defined by a number of days, but rather by your individual needs. Our phased approach allows you to advance through treatment at a pace based on your specific situation and clinical milestones. Symptoms, stressors, and support systems will all play a role in recommending the proper treatment for an individual.

About Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Treatments offered as outpatients are typically less intensive than those provided as residential treatments, which means the programs may take longer to complete. When you’re receiving outpatient treatment, you can then return to your home or place of employment following the treatment. In any case, how well you deal with your addiction and move through recovery will determine how long the treatment will take. 

In some cases, it is possible for you to complete treatment in a shorter time if you’re employed, surround yourself with a reliable support system, and are working on resolving the reasons for your substance abuse. However, in a chaotic, unpredictable environment, in which income is limited, the relationships are unsupportive, and the stress is high, outpatient treatment may take a longer time. 

Instead of measuring outpatient treatment in days and weeks, people often use months and years. An average outpatient treatment lasts about 90 days, but some people continue treatment indefinitely. Whenever clients receive treatment within a full continuum of health care, their time in outpatient care can be significantly reduced.

Because you’re experiencing greater independence in the intensive outpatient program, you’re likely to need workable solutions for real-life problems as they emerge. The intensive outpatient program means you never have to feel alone in your journey. We’re here for you now, too, and together, we’ll get you on the right path to recovery. 

2. What are the benefits of sobriety and recovery?

This is easily our favorite question to answer, as the limit does not exist! There are numerous benefits to becoming sober and maintaining recovery from addiction. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved physical health: Substance abuse can cause various physical health problems, such as liver damage, heart disease, respiratory problems, and increased risk of certain types of cancer. Becoming sober can help improve overall physical health and reduce the risk of these and other health problems.
• Improved mental health: Addiction can also have a negative impact on mental health, causing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Sobriety can help improve mental health and well-being, leading to a better quality of life.
• Improved relationships: Substance abuse can strain relationships with your family, friends, and loved ones. Becoming sober can help repair and strengthen these relationships, improving social support and overall well-being.
• Increased financial stability: Addiction can be expensive, leading to financial problems and debt. Becoming sober can help reduce or eliminate these costs and improve financial stability so that you can spend your money on the things that matter most – like your family, health, and hobbies. 
• Increased productivity: Substance abuse can definitely impact your work and academic performance, heavily decreasing your productivity and making you miss beneficial opportunities. Sobriety can help improve your focus, motivation, and overall performance.
• A greater sense of purpose: Addiction can leave you feeling lost or without direction. Becoming sober can help you rediscover your passions and find greater purpose and meaning in life.

The most exciting part: these aren’t even all of the reasons why recovery and sobriety can be so transformative and beneficial for you – there are still so many more waiting for you to find. However, it is important to note that the benefits of sobriety are not immediate and do require your ongoing effort and commitment to maintain the recovery you’ve worked so hard for. 

3. Is Recovery Painful?

Addiction recovery can be a challenging and complex process, and it may involve some discomfort or pain. However, the level of pain and discomfort can vary widely depending on the individual’s unique circumstances, the severity of the addiction, and the type of treatment and support they receive.

Withdrawal symptoms are a common experience during the early stages of addiction recovery, and these symptoms can include physical and psychological discomfort such as nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. However, with proper medical treatment and support, many of these symptoms can be managed and alleviated.

In addition to withdrawal symptoms, addiction recovery may involve facing and addressing underlying emotional or psychological issues that may have contributed to the addiction. This process can be challenging and may involve some emotional discomfort, but it can also be enriching and lead to long-term healing and growth.

It’s important to note that addiction recovery is not just about overcoming physical dependence on a substance or behavior but also about making significant lifestyle changes and developing new coping strategies. These changes can be difficult and require ongoing effort and commitment, but they can also lead to greater overall health and well-being. While addiction recovery may involve some discomfort or pain, it is ultimately a positive and life-changing process that can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life in the long term.

4. How do I begin to rebuild my life after treatment?

At first, It may seem like it’s impossible. In spite of that, there are so many success stories about clients gaining back their freedom from addiction, getting their jobs back or getting new ones, becoming closer with their families again, turning away from what used to be, and accepting a newer, happier future.

Rebuilding your life after addiction can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity for you to create a new and fulfilling life that you once thought was ultimately out of your reach. And don’t worry – you won’t be alone in taking and making these steps happen. At Discovery Point Retreat, we discuss all of these different aspects, helping you to formulate a plan that works for you. We also offer aftercare services to help you navigate this next phase of your recovery journey, providing many support services and activities that can help you prevent relapse, stay clean and sober, and continue progressing toward your bright new future. Here are some steps you can take to begin the process:

• Develop a support system: Surround yourself with people supporting your sobriety and goals. This could include friends, family members, support groups, or a therapist.
• Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Set goals: Identify what you want to achieve in different areas of your life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth. Break down these goals into manageable steps and create a plan for achieving them.
• Stay engaged in treatment: Continue attending support groups, therapy sessions, or other recovery programs that have been helpful to you.
• Explore new hobbies and interests: Try new activities that you find enjoyable and fulfilling. This can help you discover new passions and create a sense of purpose.
• Build a positive daily routine: Develop a routine that includes healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and self-reflection. This can help you maintain a sense of structure and stability in your life.
• Be patient and kind to yourself: Recovery is a process that takes time, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Be patient with yourself, and practice self-compassion when things don’t go as planned.

Remember, rebuilding your life after addiction treatment is a journey, not a destination. It’s essential to take things one day at a time and focus on your progress, no matter how small it may seem.

Start Your Life-Changing Recovery Journey Today

Although achieving recovery and finding sobriety can seem daunting at first, once you’re in the safety of a treatment center that makes you feel seen, heard, and cared for, you’ll be able to find what works best for you. Then, as a team, you and our compassionate staff will be able to develop a plan to help you achieve lasting recovery for a lifetime full of more of what you want and less of what your addiction is making you think that you want. 

Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Discovery Point Retreat’s comprehensive treatment approach helps enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. We foster connection by providing evidence-based therapy options and encouraging clients to connect with themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. Through the power of recovery, you will feel restored and able to experience life-changing healing fully. 

If you or someone you love needs help with substance use, Discovery Point Retreat is here to help. Give us a call today at 855-306-8054 to discuss your options.