There are many paths to recovery designed to meet an individual where he or she IS on the path. Not every individual with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) will require treatment. Refusal to enter into treatment should not be viewed as an unwillingness to be free of drugs. If you have ever been in a relationship that was unhealthy, you may remember thinking about ending the relationship long before you do it. And when you finally end the relationship, you may grieve over the loss while at the same time you are aware that ending the relationship is what is best for you. Individuals that are imprisoned by their drug addiction are often ambivalent - they are motivated in two opposing directions at the same time. Recommended reading: Beyond Addiction
If you love someone with a SUD, you play a crucial role in their change process. Patience is key. Like any learning process, recovery takes trial and error. Slips or lapses to old behavior patterns are common and should not be viewed as starting over or indicate that treatment has not "worked." This attitude can be defeating to someone in recovery and send them to a full blown relapse. Most of us can identify with "falling off the wagon" when dieting. We grieve over the food or nicotine that once made us feel better. Relapsing into old behaviors does not mean that we don't want a healthier diet. It means that something is missing and food is filling the void.
We believe that kindness and compassion (which is backed by scientific evidence) should replace the old attitude of detachment and allowing someone to "hit bottom." In many cases, there is no time to wait for the bottom.
Remember, people don't just get sober, they learn to be sober. - Center for Motivation and Change
If you love someone with a SUD, you play a crucial role in their change process. Patience is key. Like any learning process, recovery takes trial and error. Slips or lapses to old behavior patterns are common and should not be viewed as starting over or indicate that treatment has not "worked." This attitude can be defeating to someone in recovery and send them to a full blown relapse. Most of us can identify with "falling off the wagon" when dieting. We grieve over the food or nicotine that once made us feel better. Relapsing into old behaviors does not mean that we don't want a healthier diet. It means that something is missing and food is filling the void.
We believe that kindness and compassion (which is backed by scientific evidence) should replace the old attitude of detachment and allowing someone to "hit bottom." In many cases, there is no time to wait for the bottom.
Remember, people don't just get sober, they learn to be sober. - Center for Motivation and Change
Directories
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a complete list of treatment and support options throughout the United States. Use filters for the interactive Treatment Finder to search for various types of treatment programs in our area and throughout the country. Another excellent resource is Psychology Today which also uses filters to identify providers in your area and articles on mental health and substance use disorders.