Recovery will have you face the effects of crack cocaine on the body while healing through it. It will have you deal with your past mistakes in a supported, safe, and guided atmosphere. You should not be intimidated or scared as you will receive help every step of the way. The following is a general comprehensive guide to an individual’s recovery journey through rehab to give you an idea as to how things will be,:
Step 1: Acceptance and Assessment
You need to accept everything first before you can proceed with healing and recovery. This takes time as it is very hard for individuals to admit to themselves that they need help. This will involve patience — from the patient and from everyone around him or her. Upon acceptance of one’s current situation and need, it is only then that healing and recovery can begin. It is then that an individual will get to decide if he or she wants to undergo a rehab program. To properly determine one’s journey to healing and recovery, it is a must for an individual to undergo a comprehensive assessment for the determination of the following:
- a patient’s specific needs
- a patient’s substance use history
- the mental health status of the patient
- the patient’s physical wellness
Step 2: Detoxification
You will need the help of medical professionals during this process. During detoxification, you will undergo processes that will allow your body to get rid of toxins. This can only be done with the help of medical professionals as your comfort and safety needs to be fully taken care of. This process may require the taking of medications. This is why it cannot be undergone without the supervision, guidance, and monitoring of medical professionals.
Step 3: Individualized Treatment Plan
Each person who undergoes rehab will have a unique healing and recovery journey. No two recovery journey is the same. This is the case because each patient undergoes an individualized assessment that determines the following:
- unique patient needs
- unique patient goals
- unique challenges and triggers for the patient’s
Recovery proper will include the combination of the following:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- holistic approaches
- mindfulness training
- art therapy
Step 4: Therapy and Counseling
Your healing journey will be centered in therapy sessions and counseling sessions. During individual therapy, you will be given a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings, issues, and triggers. You will be taught to develop effective coping skills. In group therapy, you will be given the chance to connect with other people – from your fellow survivors, friends, and even family members. Here, you will receive support and understanding. Family therapy is a unique kind of therapy that will help in addressing the following:
- current family dynamic
- relationships that need repair
- the presence of an active support system
Step 5: Education and Skill Building
Learning will be fundamental in your journey to recovery. Learning will be an essential tool as it will help you in effectively facing life during and after recovery. During recovery, you will be taught coping skills and stress management skills. You will also be learning the following:
- awareness of the concept of addiction
- the impact of addiction on the mind
- the impact of addiction on the body
- the concept of relapse
- relapse prevention strategies
- healthy coping skills
Step 6: Dual Diagnosis Treatment (If Applicable)
Most people who suffered from substance abuse will have co-occuring mental health issues. In such cases, dual diagnosis takes place. Apart from addiction itself, the co-occuring mental health issue will also be dealt with. This will be done through:
- psychiatric assessments
- medication
- special therapies
Step 7: Holistic Therapies and Complementary Approaches
Most rehab programs now include holistic therapies in treating individuals with substance abuse issues. Holistic therapies are now deployed as they have been proven helpful in helping an individual have and maintain a balanced lifestyle. This is because holistic practices like yoga, meditation, art therapy, and exercise are effective in improving one’s overall well-being. An individual with a healthy lifestyle will find it easier to recover and stay sober.
Step 8: Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning
This is an important step in the recovery process. Life after rehab is a totally different arena. To stay sober, one must be fully prepared and aware of expected challenges. An intentional aftercare program is essential if an individual is serious in avoiding relapse. During aftercare, an individual will be taught the following:
- trigger identification – if you know the things that lead you to feeling overwhelm and relying on substance use, you will be able to effectively deal with each when they arise
- coping mechanisms – a stressed individual is an individual who cannot easily make good decisions
- the creation of a support system
- planning of sober living arrangements
- community resources that can be relied upon
Step 9: Gradual Transition to Independent Living
This is the part of the process where patients will be slowly re-introduced to the real world. This is necessary to enable an individual to ease into independent living. This step is not to be skipped as it would secure that an individual is well-aware of the challenges before him. To heal and recover from substance abuse is a massive achievement. To maintain it and fully remain sober is a different battle. This is why rehab programs give much focus on this step.
Step 10: Continued Support and Maintenance
To keep sober, one needs continuous maintenance and support. This can be done by doing the following:
- consistent engagement and exposure to aftercare resources
- engagement with support groups
- consistent therapy
- regular self-care
- actively working to have healthy relationships
- avoidance of high-risk environments
- presence
- mindfulness
- intentional living
Recovery is Possible
Millions of people have healed and recovered from drug abuse. You can as well. Never lose hope. You’re always one decision away from having a good and meaningful life. Chin up and keep on moving forward. You got this!
