The field of addiction treatment has been rapidly evolving over the last 20 years. We continue to learn more about how the brain’s chemistry is affected by drug and alcohol misuse. Improved counseling strategies now compliment FDA approved medications to treat substance use disorders. This combination of medications and counseling is called Medication Assisted Treatment or (MAT). The tried and true 12 step programs are still going strong, and we are seeing effective new support options continuing to emerge. With an increase of access to the internet, lots of helpful recovery technology and additional recovery education is available. The Help Recovery Center’s Intensive Outpatient Workbook is a collection of strategies designed to assist individuals and families recover from addiction by placing their substance use disorder in remission.
6 components of recovery from addiction: *Discontinue using the problematic substance *Adopt new thinking and behaviors to avoid relapse *Develop strategies to manage triggers and cravings *Improve coping skills to manage anxiety and stress *If warranted, take FDA approved medications to treat Substance Use Disorder (MAT). *Develop an enjoyable and purposeful recovery lifestyle. .We understand that substance addiction is a frustrating and complex disease of the brain. We also know that recovery is achievable. Individuals can live long, meaningful, productive lives without abusing alcohol and drugs. We have included information concerning numerous aspects of the disease, and various strategies that can be used to achieve and maintain remission. The person suffering from substance addiction often views recovery as moving from weak to strong, or bad to good. But as with most diseases, the journey is primarily one from sickness to health.