Different Approaches to Recovery

I'm about to sound old, but "back in my day," the approach to recovery was limited. We either went to rehab, AA, jail or died. Or we could do what I did and quit cold turkey, but as I've said a million times before, I don't recommend that approach. 

Thankfully, the days of old are long gone. We've learned so much about our amazingly ever-adapting, malleable brains. Yay, science! Now, there are so many approaches to recoveries to choose from. It's up to you to figure out which one is right for you. My only recommendation is that you don't do it alone. I tried to recover and heal alone, and that was a terrible mistake. Whichever path you choose, please find a Sobriety Circle to surround yourself with. Before we take a look at your options, there are a few things to be aware of when you make the courageous decision to quit using:

• There is a difference between anxiety and depression. If you're experiencing overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, have thoughts of suicide, or other thoughts of self-harm, seek professional help immediately. It's an act of bravery to reach out. The suicide hotline is 988. You can text "HOME" to 741741.

• If you're experiencing withdrawals, you may need to seek professional assistance. You can check out my Resource Hub or contact the SAMHSA National Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. It's confidential and free.

• Acute withdrawal from one drug is very different from acute withdrawal from another. Be informed and be prepared. Seek medical assistance if needed. 

• Be aware of PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). It's a collection of psychological and mood-related symptoms that occur as the brain recovers from the effects of active addiction. Remember, it will pass, so please seek medical assistance if you need it.

Approaches to Recovery (in no particular order)

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a transformative approach to recovery. This movement was started under the Biden administration and understands that people who struggle with substance abuse need compassion and empathy first and foremost. They need life-saving tools and information, not shame. It focuses on minimizing the negatives and understands that not everyone is ready or able to stop using right away. It provides the person with tools like:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

• Naloxone.

• Safe injection sites.

• Needle exchange programs.

• Strategies on how to reduce use.

We must be mindful that any positive change is considered progress with this approach.

California Sober

This is a recovery lifestyle approach when someone chooses to abstain from using a harmful or addictive substance while continuing to use "safer" substances, either recreationally or therapeutically. There is some debate in the recovery community about this approach, but I believe in people doing what works best for them because only they know themselves. I look at it as a moderated form of sobriety because it's based on personal boundaries and preferences. One I use myself. 

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

This approach uses medications approved by the FDA, counseling, and behavior therapy. Your therapist often offers group sessions so you can have the added benefit of support from your peers. These medications help regulate your brain and curb cravings:

• Opioids: Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone

• Alcohol: Disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

One of the great things about this approach is it begins the moment you walk through the door and continues until the day you leave, so if you need to detox, this is a great approach. The programs last anywhere from thirty to ninety days. It's done in a controlled environment where the residents participate in therapy and learn about their triggers while they're away from the stressors of their environment. They'll have the support of therapists and peers. This is perfect for those struggling with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Outpatient/Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

This approach is perfect for someone who needs more flexibility than inpatient offers. You can still live at home but can attend scheduled therapy and support groups with your peers. This is an excellent alternative for those who need to continue to work but are struggling with a moderate-level addiction. It can create an opportunity to learn how to balance life's responsibilities while working on recovery.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

For the majority (notice I said majority, not all) of those struggling with addiction, there is a thought pattern that needs to be changed to move away from the negative and toward the positive. CBT helps you identify and change those negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps you identify triggers, provides you with healthy coping mechanisms, and helps you discover problem-solving skills. While I'm not biased on any approach someone takes, this is one that helped me achieve emotional sobriety and heal from betrayal trauma.

Trauma-Informed Care

This approach understands that some of us (me included) may have experienced trauma. Therefore, it prioritizes our emotional safety, trust, and feelings of empowerment during our recovery. Finding the right therapist is essential if we've experienced trauma to make sure we don't get retraumatized during treatment. Your counselor should be experienced in EMDR, somatic experiencing, CBT, DBT, etc.) and they should come from a place of non-judgment and give you a space to heal.

12-Step Programs (Like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous)

I'm sure most of you reading this have heard of 12-step meetings. They were helpful to me on my own journey. They are a peer-based group based on the members sharing their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other. The first step is acknowledging that you're powerless over your addiction and then turning to a higher power – whatever that may mean to you. Ideally, people work through their steps with a sponsor's help, which helps them make amends. This a great way to find community. I heard about emotional sobriety in AA.

Secular Recovery Programs (like SMART Recovery)

These are non-spiritual alternatives to 12-step meetings and take a more evidence-based approach. They believe, as do I that people have the power to change through self-awareness and practical tools. They are also peer-based and provide a sense of community. They can help you build your motivation, cope with urges, develop a balanced lifestyle, and manage your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This is the perfect approach for people who prefer a science-based, more self-directed approach versus a faith-based one.

Faith-Based Recovery

Like the name suggests, this approach incorporates religious or spiritual beliefs into its recovery process. You'll find things like prayer and spiritual counseling, support from trusted faith-based sources and communities, and, if necessary, placement in Faith-focused residential treatment programs. This is the perfect fit for anyone whose spirituality is a core part of their identity.

The cool thing about all these recovery approaches is that no one size fits all. For me, after white-knuckling it, I went from 12 steps to trauma-informed care, and from there, I moved on to a secular recovery program. Now, I'm California sober, and on November 29, 2024, I'll be clean from my DOC for thirty-three years. 

 If you have any questions, please let me know. I answer my emails without strings attached. I’m here to help!

 Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,

Laura