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What is Addiction Recovery?

by Will Long

April 26, 2023
man getting picked back up

Addiction recovery is a process that helps individuals overcome substance abuse and regain control of their lives for a healthier and happier existence. The process involves addressing the underlying issues that led to addiction and developing a new way of living.

The different stages of recovery from addiction include the 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery, the 12 Steps to Recovery, the Cycle of Addiction, the 10 Principles of Recovery (SAMHSA), and the role of positive parenting tools in the journey toward mental health recovery.

Stages of Recovery from Addiction

The process of addiction recovery typically unfolds in several stages. These stages can be seen as a roadmap that guides individuals through the challenges and triumphs they’ll encounter as they work towards a healthier life. The stages include:

  1. Pre-contemplation: At this stage, the individual might not even realize they have a problem with addiction.
  2. Contemplation: The person begins to recognize their addiction and starts considering the possibility of change.
  3. Preparation: The individual starts making plans to address their addiction and seek help.
  4. Action: The person takes steps to change their behavior and pursue recovery.
  5. Maintenance: The individual works to maintain their new, healthier habits and avoid relapse.

5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery

The 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery offer an easy-to-understand approach to overcoming addiction. They include:

  1. Physical Health: This pillar focuses on rebuilding the body and improving overall health through proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
  2. Emotional Health: Learning to cope with emotions and developing healthy ways to express feelings is crucial for recovery.
  3. Spiritual Health: This pillar emphasizes finding a sense of purpose, connecting with a higher power, or exploring personal values and beliefs.
  4. Social Health: Rebuilding relationships, developing new friendships, and establishing a support network can help individuals stay on the path of recovery.
  5. Mental Health: This involves addressing underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may contribute to addiction.

12 Steps to Recovery

The 12 Steps to Recovery is a widely used approach that has helped millions of people achieve lasting recovery from addiction. The steps involve admitting powerlessness over addiction, seeking help from a higher power, making amends, and working on personal growth. Many people find the structured approach of the 12 Steps to be an effective way to navigate the challenges of recovery.

Cycle of Addiction

The Cycle of Addiction is a pattern of behavior that many individuals with substance abuse issues experience. It typically involves stages of emotional triggers, drug or alcohol use, a temporary “high,” and the inevitable crash. This cycle can be difficult to break without proper support and treatment, which is why understanding it is vital for those seeking addiction recovery.

10 Principles of Recovery (SAMHSA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified 10 guiding principles for mental health recovery. These principles emphasize the importance of hope, self-direction, personalized and patient-centered care, empowerment, holistic treatment, peer support, respect, responsibility, and non-linear recovery. By incorporating these principles into their recovery journey, individuals can build a strong foundation for lasting change.

Positive Parenting Tools

For parents struggling with addiction, positive parenting tools can play a significant role in their recovery process. By learning how to effectively communicate, set boundaries, and provide consistent support and guidance, parents can create a healthier home environment. Therefore, this kind of environment is one that promotes recovery for both them and their children.

Mental Health Recovery

Mental health recovery goes hand in hand with addiction recovery. As individuals work to overcome their substance abuse issues, they must also address any underlying mental health challenges. This often involves seeking professional help, engaging in therapy, and developing healthy coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. By addressing both addiction and mental health issues, individuals can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Learn More

Addiction recovery is a complex journey. That’s because it involves dealing with not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and social aspects of a person’s life. By understanding many of these topics, such as these, individuals and their families can embark on a successful path toward good mental health in recovery. This may include:

  • The stages of recovery from addiction
  • The five pillars of addiction recovery
  • The 12 steps to recovery
  • The cycle of addiction
  • The 10 principles of recovery (SAMHSA)
  • The role of positive parenting tools

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and seeking help, Landmark Recovery is here for you. Our caring, expert team is committed to helping you choose recovery over addiction. Don’t wait any longer to start your journey to a healthier, happier life. Call us today at 888-448-0302 to learn more about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs and let us help you take the first steps towards lasting recovery.

Remember, at Landmark Recovery, we believe in the power of choosing recovery over addiction. Your journey towards a healthier, more satisfying life starts with a single phone call. Reach out to us today and let us help you navigate the road to recovery.

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About the Author

Will Long

Will Long

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Long has been a writer for Landmark Recovery since 2021. He specializes in research and writing about substance abuse from a scientific and social perspective. Unearthing information from underexplored, far-flung corners of the Internet, Long’s passion is finding emerging trends in substance use and treatment that the public should know about.