Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is a process that takes time and effort. There are several stages of addiction recovery that begin with the recognition of a problem and lead to physical and mental clarity. At Sunstone Recovery in Oregon, we recognize that this is not always a simple path, but we are ready to help you along the way at the licensed addiction treatment center.
The Path to Addiction
Most people do not become addicts overnight. Although it can depend on the substance and the person, there are normally several stages of drug addiction.
Experimentation: At this preliminary stage of drug addiction, you may know about drugs or alcohol through peer pressure, or you may be trying a substance in response to a difficult situation in your life.
Regular use: You still feel in control of your use of drugs and alcohol. However, you are using the substance more frequently and turning to drugs or alcohol as a primary way to handle stress or anxiety.
Dependence: At this point, your use of the substance has made changes to your brain chemistry. You cannot feel normal without your drug of choice. Even though you may experience negative physical, mental and legal consequences, you still abuse drugs or alcohol.
Addiction: It can be difficult to mark the transition from dependence to addiction and other stages of drug addiction. However, someone who suffers from addiction is much more compulsive about using drugs or alcohol. They continue to suffer symptoms of withdrawal. Obtaining the substance is their primary concern.
The Stages of Addiction Recovery
The time it takes for you to step away from addiction depends on where you are in the stages of addiction. Someone who has been experimenting with a drug may be able to walk away from it. Someone with a full-blown addiction will need a great deal of support to get clean. There are several stages on the path to recovery.
Recognition: After there has been a serious consequence because of drug and alcohol abuse, there may be a moment of clarity. The person recognizes that he or she needs addiction help. Unless there is a change, things will continue to get worse.
Planning: The person suffering from addiction begins to look for resources for help. At this point, there may be a growing understanding of the relationships broken by the addiction. Those who are addicted may also realize that they are unable to handle the problem without professional help.
Detox: Once they begin the formal recovery process, he or she will have to deal with the physical and mental effects of going without drugs.
Initial recovery: Recovering addicts find support through group therapy sessions and individual therapy programs at our Oregon recovery center. They learn the skills to cope with difficulty so they will not fall back into drug use. They may also start reconnecting to their former lives and relationships.
Long-term recovery: Many of those suffering from chronic addiction disorders continue to deal with cravings for years after their last use. Outpatient programs like our intensive outpatient program in Bend provide continued support as they return to their day-to-day lives.
Based on your individualized situation and challenges, the addiction and mental health clinicians at Sunstone will put together an individualized telehealth treatment plan that identifies a level, type, and frequency of care for you. Your treatment team will continuously assess your progress throughout our telehealth program, adjust your care plan accordingly, and develop post-rehab guidelines to support your ongoing recovery from addiction.
Complex Mental Health and Addiction Issues
Patients with more complex addiction and recovery concerns may require more time to address:
- Relapse prevention
- Sober living skills
- Individual issues and concerns
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Communication and relationship building
Our intensive virtual outpatient program is an ideal option as a follow-up to a residential treatment program or a daytime treatment program. This level of outpatient rehab can be especially effective for patients who have a stable, sober-friendly living situation as well as for those who are experiencing first-time alcohol or drug addiction treatment. As patients meet clinical milestones, they can transition to a lower level of care. The following services may provide additional insight and healing:
- Mental health assessments, including psychological evaluations
- Psychiatric consultations
- Individual and group therapy options
- Assistance with medication management
Find a Telehealth Therapist in Oregon
The path to recovery is never easy. However, our drug addiction treatment center in Oregon is ready to help you along the way. Our professional staff knows how to work with the latest tools in recovery, including cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, a qualified recovery center can help. Sunstone Recovery can help you through every stage of the recovery process. Contact Sunstone Recovery specialists at 855.912.6870 today.
