Getting Inspiration From Recovered Addicts

Testimonials of survival and triumph in tough situations are great motivators. Looking at where you are and where you're trying to go, it's hard to imagine how to get there. The finish line on your journey always seems so far away. I have heard and seen countless stories of extreme weight loss, with people losing hundreds of pounds, and it baffles me how they were able to discipline themselves and persevere until they reached their weight loss goal. It's really tough situations like those that can seem the most hopeless - until someone comes along and proves that it's possible. Like any success story, hearing how a former addict kicked the habit is an encouragement that if he or she did it, you can do it too.

Recovering from addiction is an awesome achievement, and it's certainly not easy. Every day that a former addict survives drug- or alcohol-free is a testament to his or her sheer will and determination. We can gain strength from theirs. In group discussions that occur in organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, the stories of addicts are told; and those who are farther along or who have been sober the longest are a shining example of the road ahead. Their stories give hope to those who are only seeing the darkness and not the light at the end of the tunnel.

Words Have Power

Some former addicts are inspired to write books and blogs or speak publicly about how they won their personal battle with drugs and alcohol, and I firmly believe that words have power. They may not realize the power they have to change someone else's life through their testimony. Success stories are empowering, both to the listeners and the ones telling them. We glean inspiration from people through their transparency, because suddenly we realize that we all face obstacles and struggle with something. So a former addict might be talking about overcoming alcohol addiction, but unknowingly they're giving hope to someone who's struggling with drug addiction, a physical illness or weight problems.

Former First Lady Betty Ford is remembered as a strong example of a woman who battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction and won. Her decision to quit and to use her public platform to motivate others to quit inspired the planting of the Betty Ford Memorial Garden outside of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Though she is deceased, Betty Ford is still impacting the lives of struggling addicts.

They appreciate her honesty and courage and have been inspired by her to get sober and maintain their sobriety. Betty Ford is a champion for women, but every person who has ever beaten the odds against addiction has a story to tell that will help someone else to be victorious.

There are also inspiring stories by Todd Zalkins, Amy Lee Coy and others who hit bottom and recovered.

Read Addiction Recovery Interviews with famous authors such as Patty Holloran, Todd Zalkins and others at AddictionRecoveryInterviews.com.

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Drug Rehab Helps Addicts Overcome Addiction

Many people wonder how drug rehab works and if it is worth the cost. Anyone whose life has been changed due to successful completion of the programs can testify to its great benefit. The steps involved include physical, emotional and mental treatment to help an addict overcome the physical addiction and prevent relapse. There are many reasons a person may turn to drugs or alcohol including family, work, or general stress. To overcome the addiction, the person also needs to learn better ways of dealing with the stress as well.

Detox

Detoxification is the first step in the process. This step often involves medical treatment for the physical addiction. When your body becomes addicted to a drug, it begins to need it. Without the drug, the body can have severe physical problems. There are different medical procedures including using other non-addictive drugs to reduce the dependency. This is a very trying time in the process and patients can often become sick, depressed, and even violent as they pass through this stage.

Therapy

Therapy is the second step in the process. Most initial therapy happens in a drug treatment center. In this situation, the patient lives with other recovering addicts going through the same process. Individual and group therapy is applied. This helps people understand the struggles, build a support system and learn to overcome the stresses that caused them to rely on drugs or alcohol. Other activities include outside activities to provide encouragement and promote healthy living.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy is usually the third step. By this point, the patient has achieved a level of control that satisfies the counselors that the person can reenter society with success in dealing with stresses the right way. During this time, the patient is in frequent contact with their counselor and will attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings for group support. Part of this time is to help promote a concept called sober living. When a person has been addicted to something, it is often difficult for them to avoid that addiction when the stress of life attacks again. Having this support available, helps them turn to people that will encourage them instead of relapsing into their previous addiction.

Time Frame

The length of treatment varies by individual needs. Many programs have set time limits, but can vary the limits depending on the types of addictions the individual experiences. Most people who enter rehab centers have a pretty long treatment plan implemented. Some last a month, while others may last many months before leaving the center.

Relapse

People relapse for various reasons. It is extremely important for a person to learn how to appropriately cope with different stresses in order to survive in life. The treatment programs work hard to teach these coping skills and provide the support needed in aftercare. However, if a person reenters life in a situation where others around them continue to use drugs and alcohol it can be very difficult for him or her to abstain.

Drug rehab treatment works by dealing with both the physical and mental portions of the addictions. Through the therapy, individuals learn coping skills to help them find better ways of dealing with the stress that life sends their way. Rehab also helps the families of addicts by providing information and family counseling. Treatment costs outweigh the negative impact, both on society and on the individual.

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