by Eric Brown, Director, Center For Additive Diseases, Main Line Health

The word “cure” is not associated with the process of overcoming an addiction. Instead, we refer to the concept of “recovery”, inferring a life long process to avoid the relapse into drug taking behavior.

Recovery focuses on avoiding a relapse, such as a change in attitude about recovery that can trigger a return to substance abusing behavior. Recovery is growth, and growth is a life long process, not an end in itself. Recovery is handling the day to day ups and downs that we all face. Recovery is a dynamic process that involves personal growth, seeking help, building relationships, and most importantly abstaining from drug-alcohol use. Understanding the process of recovery can help people focus on the goals and understand the dynamics they will face along the way.

The process of recovery from any type of addiction has basically two parts: Abstaining, simply avoiding any drugs or alcohol; and Substituting healthy behaviors… pursuing healthy relationships, good health, satisfaction from work or school and personal growth.

There are several stages necessary to initiate and maintain a successful recovery:

  • Early Recovery: A time where medical needs and cravings are addressed; education about addiction is made available; a support system is developed, and the day by day focus is on not using.
  • Middle Recovery: A period where values and attitudes are examined; new activities are discovered; trust and relationship building occur; and mental and physical health issues are further addressed.
  • Late Recovery: A stage where amends are made to those who have been hurt; self-worth is a focus; attitudes begin to change; and joy and satisfaction with recovery continues to progress.

All the above can occur once the person recognizes his or her need for help. Help is essential, not because the person is “weak”; but because addiction is a very difficult problem to overcome alone. Programs, professionals and self-help groups are readily available in the community. By surrounding yourself with people who will support your efforts in a non-judgmental way, you have support to grow and deal with problems along the way.

Self-actualization and “pulling one’s self up by the boot straps” have been cornerstones of our society for years. Seeking help for a problem was not always encouraged. With addiction, we see strong evidence that dealing with it alone often ends in frustration and an inability to change. Seeking help for recovery, while scary, opens up a whole new vista of communication, self-worth and trust. This process produces rewards and makes sobriety more than just being “dry”.