Enaa Mari
If you find that you have a problem with substances and you need to begin the road to getting clean and sober, then going to a treatment facility is the first place to start. Even though it can be hard to admit you have an issue, this is often the catalyst that will spur you to lead a healthy life and lead a happy life once more – with addiction, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, by choosing a treatment facility that can work with your specific needs and treat your unique issues, you can slowly and surely begin to get your life back on track once more or get help from The Retreat.
But what are the stages of substance abuse? How do you know that you need help? If you’re not sure if you are currently in the throes of addiction and if you “qualify” for getting help, there are a few warning signs and symptoms that you should keep an eye out for. If you find that you are no longer enjoying the things you used to, you are skirting the responsibilities you do to go to work or school anymore, you are hanging out with different social circles, you are self-isolating, and you are going through personality changes, these are all signs that you can see to know you need to go to a treatment facility.
Let’s see the main stages of getting clean at a treatment facility like The Forge Recovery Center to help you start enjoying life once more!
The main stages of drug recovery
If you are unsure of what you can expect before you go to a drug recovery center to get clean and sober, here are a few of these that you can count on. Even though it can be daunting to go for the first time – or even if you’re going back a second time – it is beneficial and necessary if you plan to get clean, sober, and happy. For those who are going for the first time, knowing what to expect can be the difference-maker between adhering to your program and leaving. If you have been before, knowing what to expect at a local drug recovery center can prevent relapse once more and help you stay clean.
Needing help
Typically, the first step of going to a drug recovery center is first admitting that you need help. Even if you are in denial and you think that you have your substance use “under control”, that is rarely the case. If you are using hard drugs, then you never have it under control – using hard drugs at any point in your life can lead to bad decisions, harmful health complications, and personality changes that will affect you for the rest of your life.
If you think that you have your drinking under control, you will notice the signs and symptoms of alcoholism that will spur you to go to a drug recovery center. At this point in your life, you need to admit that you have a problem and seek help so you can get your life back on track. There is no shame in admitting you need help – in fact, this is a brave and honest thing to do to help yourself get sober.
You can speak with friends and family if you think that you need help but you are not sure where to start. They can typically help you find the best drug recovery center so you can check yourself into treatment. If you don’t have the skills or services to do this on your own, finding a support system is great for you to rely on during this tough time.
Medical detoxification
The typical second stage of going through a drug recovery plan is medical detoxification. This is the part of treatment that is very unenjoyable since you will be going through withdrawal from whatever substance you are currently on. The length and the severity of the withdrawal will depend on the length of substance abuse, the amount of substance abuse, and the type of substance you are using. If you have been using heroin for many months, the withdrawal will be longer than if you were using alcohol excessively for around one week – it all depends on the type of substance and the amount of abuse.
Even though this will be a tough time for you mentally and physically, you will be able to come out stronger. With the help of those in the drug recovery center, you will have support, resources, and medical-assisted treatment that can help you with the most unpleasant side effects of withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, is a popular method to help those who are coming down off of hard drugs and need some type of medication to quell the side effects of nausea, vomiting, and headache.
Individual counseling
The third stage of going to drug recovery is setting yourself up with your individual therapist to begin talking about why you abuse drugs, the reasons behind your choices, and any triggers that you have in society. By being open and honest with your therapist and talking about why you are in drug recovery, why you are making these decisions, and how you feel about yourself and others, you can get to the root cause of the issue.
Identifying any trauma that has happened in the past and any personality issues that are causing you to use drugs is key to getting sober and on a healthy track once more. If you find that you are having trouble speaking in the group therapy session, individual counseling is the best way that you can express your feelings and have an open and safe space with one other professional.
Conclusion
If you find that you are going through substance abuse concerns, checking yourself into a drug recovery center is the best plan for you. To help yourself get sober, get your life back on track, and be happy once more, you must find a local drug recovery center that can focus on your individual needs.
