Addiction Recovery - An Overview

There are many kinds of addiction recovery programs. While many use a 12-step or spiritual basis as an approach to rehabilitation, others prefer to emphasize the scientific elements and behavior modification rather than emphasis on the spiritual aspect. The success in helping individuals overcome the devastation resulting from addictive behavior is what counts in the long run.

Addiction recovery under the scientific approach teaches the individual how to implement and retain adequate motivation to stay away from addictive substances. Training and techniques help the individual to cope with cravings to relapse. The addict is trained in how control behavior, feelings and thoughts about the addictive substances. There is education and practice in balancing enduring satisfaction against momentary satisfaction. Addiction recovery is a coordinated program based on scientifically proven knowledge. As knowledge is expanded and new factual information becomes available. The addiction recovery program will change accordingly. Those individuals who have managed to go through addiction recovery programs using the latest scientific methods are encouraged to stay connected with the recovery center, both to solidify their own progress and to assist other through encouragement and example to continue in the path of recovery.

Those who work with addiction recovery believe that behavior which is considered addictive can be caused both from abuse of substances such as prescribed medications illegal drugs, food, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol--in fact, psychoactive substances of every type--and from participation in many types of activities such as exercise, relationships, spending, eating, sexual practices and gambling. It is assumed that every person has some addictive behavior to some degree. It is also apparent that in some people, the negative results of their addictive behavior can be so overwhelming that behavior modification is necessary for the sake of one's life and health. This is particularly true if the individual is addicted to several activities or substances at the same time.

Although not everyone will find that this type of addiction recovery is effective in their own experience, it is true that sometimes several types of addiction recovery methods must be attempted before finding one which works over the long term. Freeing oneself from behavior which manifests as addictive often requires changes that impact the entire lifestyle and pattern of the individual, not only modifications which directly affect the addictive behavior only. It is certain that there are many methods to achieving freedom from addictive behavior. It is also true that a particular method may not work at all during one period of the individual's life and may work beautifully at another time.

However, it has become apparent from numerous scientific studies that realizing independence from the binding of substance addiction is usually found when the individual successfully manages to change practices and philosophy in four areas of life. The first change which must be mastered is how to maintain motivation to continue in the course which the individual has set. It is relatively simple to decide to make a lifestyle change which doesn't include continuing in the path of addiction. It is quite a bit more difficult to maintain enthusiasm for the decision day after day.

The next item which must be corrected or modified in one's life is the issue of how cravings are dealt with when they come back again and again, as they surely will. The addict must replace old ways of coping with new methods which are decided in advance and planned for.

Rational thinking is a part of each of the other life style changes. The choice in each case is up to the individual, but he or she must train the mind to think about what they are choosing, rather than simply react.

Finally, addiction recovery is choosing to live a balanced lifestyle. Proponents of this method teach vital information about coping with cravings, enthusiasm, and rational thinking in a balanced way. In the end, however, it it the persistence and determination of the individual which makes the difference in the level of success or failure. Some addicts choose just to reduce the intake level, or to reduce the amount of time, others will be successful in complete abstinence.

Much of the information in addiction recovery using these techniques comes from the discipline of cognitive behavioral therapy and from rational emotive behavior therapy. Both these concepts see addictive behavior as not a disease, but as a complicated form of maladjusted behavior. Using cognitive behavioral therapy makes an easily accessed library of ideas, publications and techniques available to participants in the field. The methods are consistent with the most effective addiction recovery treatment for correction of behavioral and emotional problems. Modification of methods is expected as scientific knowledge increases in the field of addictive behavior. It is likely that those who hold religious belief systems will not find any conflict between their own beliefs and scientifically obtained applications and information.

This behavioral therapy time frame is left up to the individual and varies a great deal. When the person realizes that they have other priorities which are more important to their life goals, they simply choose to graduate from the program and go on about their altered life style which no longer includes addictive behavior.

In the meantime, the wealth of information available to participants in the program is immense and is expanding constantly. Thanks to the growth of the internet, there is even more access to information and even to online support groups. This type of program relies more upon changing behavior in response to a predetermined rational course of action. It forces the individual to take the responsibility for their own actions and to determine the practices and ways of reacting to things that have led to the addictive behavior. It also forces them to take responsibility for making the changes in their behavior that will lead to the predetermined goal. This treatment program doesn't allow for the addict as victim mentality to creep into the treatment program. It also doesn't allow the addict to rely on anyone but their own power to change addictive behavior.