America, like rest of the world, is facing a serious drug abuse problem. In 2016, more than 63,600 people died of drug overdose in the US. Based on the preliminary data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number was even higher in 2017.

Various government and private organizations are finding new ways of including workplace drug testing and drug abuse counseling in schools to curb this problem. Still, drug abuse continues to affect people from all walks of life. Sadly, once thrown into the abyss of drug addiction, getting your life back on track is difficult as the slightest nudge can throw the addicts off balance. Addiction recovery needs determination and support from family and friends.

Here is a list of five things you need to remember if you or your loved one is recovering from drug addiction.

1. Just Going to Rehab Isn’t Enough
Don’t get me wrong. But, going to rehab isn’t enough to free you or your loved one of drug abuse completely. Of course, it is going to be your first best step towards recovery. However, thinking a rehab center will take care of all your addiction issues and send you home with a healthy body and mind will probably get you nowhere.

Remember, the rehab center is no more than a guiding lamp in this journey. As an addict, you or your loved one will have to do most of the hard work. The rehab center can foster your willpower, but they can’t fashion it out of thin air. In the end, it is your willingness to lead a better life, which will decide how quickly you can recover from drug abuse.

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2. Relapse Is Inevitable
Whether you like it or not, relapse is going to be an inevitable part of your recovery, especially in the early stages of the process. However, obsessing over the possibility of a relapse will only worsen your situation. So, stop thinking too much about it. Instead, focus your attention on identifying and addressing lesser-known relapse triggers.

Don’t let your successful recovery catch you off guard and put you back on square one. If you or your loved one does relapse, don’t think of it as a failure even though it may seem so. Rather, take the necessary steps to get back on track with your recovery immediately.

3. Recovery and Sobriety Are Not the Same
Most people think recovery and sobriety are the same things. But, they are wrong! Successful recovery means you have cleansed yourself off the last drop of the drug in your system. But, sobriety is all about staying sober over time, which in turn, requires considerable mental and physical tenacity.

Once you are past the initial recovery stage, you will need to focus on your growth as a human being. To maintain positivity, you will need to come up with new goals and work hard to fulfill them. Simple things such as taking up a hobby or growing your skills can prove helpful in staying sober.

4. Actions Are More Important Than Words
Words of encouragement are always welcome, but they can take you only so far. You need to turn your positive intentions into actions to make a successful recovery and remain sober. Usually, it involves building a sense of purpose in your life and working towards your goals such as getting a job or finishing high school.

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You will also need to get regular drug tests to ensure you are not cheating. You can volunteer for drug testing at your workplace or a nearby clinic. The more your peers and family see you working hard to put your life together, the more strongly they will support you. But most importantly, you need to take action if you want to see results.

5. Addiction Has No Quick Fix
We live in an age where everyone is looking for a quick fix. However, drug addiction recovery offers no quick solutions. Anyone telling you otherwise is misleading you. Drug addiction is a complex problem involving various biological, chemical, social, and psychological factors that will influence the time and scale of your recovery. That’s why most recovery processes tend to have a holistic approach that also involves emotional support from family and friends.

As far as the time for recovery goes, there is no way to tell how quickly you can recover. It may take weeks to reach the initial stage of recovery, but might require years to learn to live without substance abuse. However, a long and far-reaching treatment can ensure a more successful recovery and sobriety.

Parting Words

Recovering from substance abuse is easier said than done because addiction becomes a way of life. However, with hard work, perseverance, complete dedication, and patience, it is possible to lead a healthy life once again. Don’t let substance abuse destroy your loved one’s life. Support them with your love and care. Hopefully, these five pointers will prove helpful in understanding the recovery process and the ways to increase its effectiveness.