Recovery from Addiction Explained

At Victory Recovery Partners, a network of seven outpatient addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, our goal is to help our patients achieve sobriety and become drug-free. With our motto of “No one left behind” we help all patients who qualify for our addiction/recovery services – even those who may have been turned away from other facilities. With that being said, the recovery process must be explained to ensure that both current and future patients are educated on what to expect during this important and crucial time. 

Firstly, recovery from addiction is certainly possible. In fact, a majority of those who are struggling with substance use disorders and addiction eventually recover. This means that their condition improves to such a point that they no longer need the drugs or substances during their daily life.  

Recovery begins when the patient stops using the substance. While this may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, this first step towards recovery is key for a successful recovery. It is important to note that recovery takes time, because the patient’s brain cells slowly recover to accept natural sources of reward, rather than seeking the “high” from using the substance. Additionally, there are no lab tests or even specific definitions of what recovery entails. 

As explained above, there are several steps in the recovery process – the first step being to stop using the drug. You may be wondering how long the recovery process takes. Being that we have helped thousands of patients overcome their addictions, we recognize that every patient is unique. For example, some patients may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, making the process a bit more challenging for them. The level of success regarding recovery depends on if the patient can change their behaviors that led to the substance use in the first place. For example, a patient in recovery would want to avoid common triggers and situations or environments that are associated with using the substances. For example, a patient would want to avoid places or even people that they associate with substance use. The process of recovery can take months, or even years, depending on the patient’s unique struggles. 

To explain this further, studies have shown that there are five stages of change in recovery: 

Precontemplation: During this stage, the user is not actually aware that the substance use is an issue. Those around them, whether it be close friends or family members, are aware of the user’s substance use and how it negatively impacts them. 

Contemplation: In the contemplation stage, users may start to recognize that their substance use has some negative effects; however, they still do not take any steps to end the addiction. 

Decision: During the decision stage, a user may now develop an intention to get help. Additionally, they may set goals that could help them overcome their obstacles. 

Action: Here is where the patient would take action by reaching out to a treatment facility, such as Victory Recovery Partners, to receive help for their addictions. The action phase is highly important, because here is when the patients actually begin the process of recovery to become drug-free. 

Maintenance: During the maintenance phase, patients will try their best to implement the new behaviors and thinking patterns that were taught to them by their counselors and support teams. During this phase, the goal is to make these new behaviors permanent, and long-lasting. 

The road to recovery is not a straight path. There are bumps along the way, twists and turns, too. We say this because it is not uncommon to have small bouts of relapse during the recovery period. However, what matters most is to not let the relapses set you back, especially in terms of your confidence and new behaviors and thinking patterns that you learned during treatment. The recovery process is ongoing, and for many, could last a lifetime. The most important part here is to stay strong and not give in to those cravings that may arise. We have witnessed thousands of our patients recover, and we are confident that you can recover, too. 

Victory Recovery Partners, a network of seven addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides outpatient services to thousands of patients on Long Island, New York. Our model is unique, in that all services are provided under one roof. This includes behavioral health, psychiatric, wellness, and medication-assisted treatment services. For more information on Victory, visit our website www.victoryrp.com