STEP 3 – CONNECT With RECOVERY SUPPORTS! – 11 ADDICTION RECOVERY STEPS

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!

Need help getting your addiction recovery on a solid footing?  Contact Glynis to Request an Appointment  

Counseling is available online by Video worldwide.  Visit my Addiction Recovery Counseling web page

Glynis Sherwood – MEd, CAC, CCC, RCC, is a Certified Addictions Counselor working online and based in Halifax Canada