Yesterday I posted Step 2 of 11 basic but powerful strategies for achieving addiction recovery. Today I am posting Step 3. Look for a Recovery Step and Strategy per day through September 17th. Use these steps and strategies to help guide you to a solid recovery.
Step 3 – Connect with formal recovery supports. If you need medical detox, make arrangements with an addiction doctor or nurse. This is particularly critical for withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), which in some cases can cause seizures. Often detox can be done safely at home with some medical supports in place. If you want guidance – highly recommended! – arrange to see an addiction counselor and/or attend a recovery group. Addiction counseling can help you do the ‘emotional’ recovery work that is so essential to relapse prevention and psychological well being. The 12 and 16 step groups have a generic spiritual foundation, whereas groups such as Life Ring, Rational Recovery and SMART are based on healthy conscious choices and rational thinking.
Recovery Strategy: These days, detox facilities and protocols can be found readily on the internet. Local self-help recovery groups can also be found online. Even if you think you are not a ‘group person’ and want to wait to see a counselor, peer support groups can help you feel less alone by providing a recovery community. Many people in recovery benefit from support groups in addition to counseling or vice versa – it doesn’t have to be an ‘either or’ proposition. However, it’s important to find a recovery path that feels like a good personal fit. One size doesn’t fit all.
Stay Tuned Tomorrow For Step 4!
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Glynis Sherwood – MEd, CAC, CCC, RCC, is a Certified Addictions Counselor working online and based in Halifax Canada
[…] Following on the heels of yesterday’s post is Step 2 of 11 basic but powerful strategies for achieving addiction recovery. Look for a Recovery Step and Strategy per day through September 18th. Use these steps and strategies to help guide you to a solid recovery. Step 2 – Make a decision to stop all addictive behaviour. Make a commitment to overcome the process of addiction, not just isolated compulsive behaviours. In other words, if you decide to stop drinking, then stop any other compulsive behaviours may be running interference in your life (e.g. cigarettes, internet porn, food addiction, workaholism, etc.). Studies show that people who focus on overcoming the big picture of addiction have longer term successful recovery from their ‘main’ addictive habit. Based on the assessment of ‘benefits’ of stopping versus the ‘costs’ of continuing you conducted in Step 1, you should have the leverage you need to provide a solid rationale for taking your life back from addiction. Tell someone you can trust – it will help you be accountable. (If you don’t know anyone who fits that description, connect with a help line, addiction counselor or group. More on this strategy in Step 3) Recovery Strategy: Tell the person you confide in what you would like them to do if they see signs that you are slipping, e.g. leveling with you. Share your goals (from Step 1) with them, so they can remind you of the life you are aiming for – freedom from the slavery of addiction. This is especially helpful if you are prone to ‘recovery amnesia’ (minimizing how bad things were), or romanticizing the bad old days. Start thinking about additional actions you can take to support your progress. It can be challenging to think clearly during the early stages of recovery. So to help yourself stay on track, make sure you write down your ideas and plans. Stay Tuned Tomorrow For Step 3! […]