Recovering from an addiction is often a team effort. The medical community accepts substance addiction as a form of mental illness: addicts are not fully aware of their actions when they are under the influence of substances. Neurological studies also concluded that recovering patients have different brains and neural pathways compared to those who never did drugs. Given such unique patients conditions, medical treatments have adapted to include the biological and psychological aspects of addiction.
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The main goal of addiction recovery is not only to detoxify the body but also to teach patients resilience against relapses. It is hoped that rates of relapse would decline with proper education and support systems.
It is essential that newly discharged patients have a strong support system. Addiction centers have specialized environments, where patients acclimatize to habits and procedures. Outside of treatment centers, patients are once again exposed to various temptations.
Therapists suggest setting up a buddy system for at least three months for patients continuing their recovery outside addiction centers.
The buddy should be a person who understands the person’s conditions and triggers.
The buddy is not a therapist but someone available during the harder periods after recovery. Most of the time, patients just need someone they can talk to. The buddy should never act as a medical professional. If he or she suspects the patient of being dangerously close to relapsing, he or she should immediately contact the patient’s therapist.
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Morningside Recovery is known for its well-rounded treatment strategies for recovering addicts. Learn more about the center by visiting this website.
