PubMed and PsycINFO were used to identify prior reviews of the continuing care research literature as well as articles published after 2014 that were not included in these reviews. The search terms included substance use disorder, addiction, drug use disorder, alcohol use disorder, continuing care, aftercare, stepped-care, treatment outcome, efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Studies without control groups were excluded from the review, with the exception of one study on the first evaluation of an intervention based on a package of services formerly offered only to pilots and doctors. Studies were not excluded for other methodological reasons or for country of origin. Treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders isn’t always straightforward. The disorders often share symptoms, which can make it difficult for providers to make an accurate diagnosis.
Recovery Programs and Support Services After Treatment
The National Recovery Month webpage provides a host of resources that can be used to help promote the observance. Many young adults face challenges with drugs, alcohol, and mental health and are likely navigating the same things you are. When you work on your recovery, you join a community of people who can support you through empathy, respect, and mutual empowerment.
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Addiction recovery is a multifaceted, ongoing process that goes beyond stopping substance use. It is an active process in which people restore their health holistically and build the resilience necessary for this purpose. It consists of creating a meaningful, balanced life, supporting continued personal growth and long-term recovery. Practices such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies can help you manage stress and avoid triggers. Regular check-ins with a mental health professional can also be beneficial.
Providers who advertise with us must be verified by our Research Team and we clearly mark their status as advertisers. Moreover, research has shown that exercise can significantly improve quality of life and mood in individuals with SUDs. A systematic review indicated that exercise interventions led to reductions in depression and anxiety, with many studies reporting substantial improvements in mood and overall well-being4. However, the authors noted that many studies had methodological flaws, indicating a need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings. Department of Housing’s Recovery Housing Program provides eligible individuals in recovery from substance use disorder with stable, transitional housing for up to 2 years.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids. Substance use can also cause or worsen symptoms of mood disorders like depression and bipolar https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ disorder. More than half of people with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder experience substance-induced depression, but symptoms may improve once they stop using these substances. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage symptoms of both mental health and substance use issues with a coordinated approach to care.
Programs & Initiatives
- A personalized approach, combining both medications and behavioral therapies, is best used for long-term recovery, as it addresses the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
- More than anything, reoccurrence of use may be a sign that more treatment or a different method is needed.
- Any research study that prospectively assigns human participants or groups of participants to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.
- Taken together, these studies provide promising evidence to suggest that recovery-supportive housing can be both cost-effective and effective in supporting recovery.
- It can also help teach people to feel empowered in their lives and reach their full potential.
- Therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions offer diverse tools to address the multifaceted aspects of addiction.
Nevertheless, experts see relapse as an opportunity to learn from the experience about personal vulnerabilities and triggers, to develop a detailed relapse prevention plan, and to step up treatment and support activities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 40 to 60 percent of people trying to quit use of drugs, and 50 to 90 percent of those trying to quit alcohol, experience at least one slip up in their first four years of recovery. Relapse carries an increased risk of overdose if a person uses as much of the drug as they did before quitting. Addiction doesn’t just affect individuals; addiction is a family affliction. The uncertainty of a person’s behavior tests family bonds, creates considerable shame, and give rise to great amounts of anxiety. Because families are interactive systems, everyone is affected, usually in ways they are not even aware of.
In the early recovery phase, you often deal with challenges like withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and finding support. Drugs affect the brain by altering how it processes rewards, leading to compulsive behaviors. When you use drugs, they enter the brain and trigger the release of chemicals like dopamine. Over time, your brain craves more drugs to feel the same pleasure, leading to addictive behaviors. Recovery is not just about abstaining from substance use; it’s about building a new, healthy lifestyle.
Another systematic review focused on physical activity interventions during substance use disorder treatment, finding that most studies reported a decrease in substance use following exercise interventions3. The most common intervention involved moderate-intensity exercise three times a week for about 13 weeks. This consistency in findings across different studies underscores the potential of exercise as a complementary Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview therapy in SUD treatment. Two investigations of the economic impact of TMC also have been published.
Get help for substance abuse
When people take drugs, the brain is flooded with chemicals that take over the brain’s reward system and cause them to repeat behaviors that feel good but aren’t healthy. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has additional resources available to those specifically concerned about drinking. They provide clear information about alcohol use disorder (AUD) and tools to assess your drinking habits.
Recovery processes aided by the services of a healthcare provider, clinician, or other credentialed professional. Finding the right treatment option can be the key to a successful recovery journey. 50.2 million American adults considered themselves to be in recovery from their substance use and/or mental health problems.
Coping with Cravings
When the clinical assessment indicates a need for active treatment, individuals are transferred to a linkage manager, who uses motivational interviewing techniques to help them recognize and acknowledge their resumption of substance use and need for additional treatment. Formal barriers to reentering treatment are discussed and addressed, and scheduling and transportation to treatment are arranged. Telephone continuing care appears to improve outcomes consistently for individuals with AUD.
Getting Help for Addiction
There were no differences between the groups in reductions in drinking, housing stability, or mental or physical health. In keeping with the need to support long-term remission and recovery from substance use disorders, social and recreational entities are emerging that make it easier for people in recovery to enjoy activities and social interaction that do not involve alcohol or drugs. However, no research has yet examined whether participation in these activities produces a significant benefit beyond what might be obtained from other RSS. Support for addiction recovery includes inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, which offer structured care and flexibility, respectively. Peer support groups like AA and NA provide a community of shared experiences, while loved ones offer essential emotional support.
What are some effective coping strategies for dealing with cravings and triggers in addiction recovery?
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 national survey, 1 in 6 Americans older than age 12 reported experiencing an SUD in the past year. More than 85% of them did not receive substance use treatment during that time. Celebrating these achievements, both small and large, can boost your confidence. These moments are proof of your strength and dedication, encouraging you to keep moving forward in your recovery journey.