A JOURNEY TO HOPE AND HEALING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
In a world filled with challenges, addiction stands as one of the most formidable foes, affecting millions of individuals globally. Within the shadow of addiction, there is a glimmer of hope – a journey toward recovery, healing, and a brighter tomorrow.
Let’s explore the path to overcoming addiction and the resilience of the human spirit that fuels this journey of hope.
UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), “Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interaction among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”
Addiction can exist in many forms and does not always involve the use of illicit substances. According to the Cleveland Clinic, addiction can involve any number of substances or circumstances, including, but not limited to: alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, hypnotics, sedatives, anxiolytics, inhalants, opioids, stimulants, nicotine, gambling, eating, exercising, dieting, shopping, theft, sex, pornography, video gaming, and even cell phones.
There are a lot of stigmas surrounding addiction. Public understanding and acceptance regarding the circumstances of addiction, while increasing, remains far from where it needs to be to facilitate significant change. This often makes it difficult for affected individuals to seek help due to shame, embarrassment, or other reasons.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals affected by addiction have notable changes in brain activity, shape, and size as well as DNA changes. It has also been shown that addiction holds a genetic predisposition, further supporting the fact that addiction is, in fact, a disease rather than simply a moral failing. While there is a genetic component to addiction, it is important to understand that by simply being a blood relative of an addicted individual does not inherently mean that an individual will develop addiction. The environment and circumstances that the individual is in also play a significant role in reducing or increasing the risk factors that lead to addiction.
The medical community understands that their role in preventing, evaluating for, and treating addiction is of grave importance, however, the role of family, friends, and community are paramount to each individual who is at risk for, or suffering with addiction.
Symptoms of addiction may include an inability to stop, increased tolerance, intense focus on substance or activity, lack of control, personal problems and health issues, and even physical and/or emotional withdrawal (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
THE POWER OF HOPE
Hope is the feeling that helps us believe that life will be better. Regardless of what that looks like to each individual, it is important to identify that source of hope and utilize that for inspiration or drive to make changes.
Hope can be healing and often encourages individuals in recovery to prioritize experiences, relationships, milestones, and goals that are important to them.
Hope in itself is healing and brings optimism, resiliency, and even leadership. When an individual leans on their hope, they are capable of expanding their potential. With hope comes the power to stay committed, focus, move forward, face obstacles, rebuild, and heal.
SEEKING HELP
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important that you reach out to one of many resources available for help and support.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a free and confidential National Helpline available 24/7, 365 days per year at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They provide support and referral information.
https://findtreatment.gov/ is another great resource that helps individuals find a treatment facility in the area of their choice.
Also available in suicide and crisis situations is the free and confidential support line for people in distress, now available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
A Disaster Distress Helpline also exists and is available 24/7 to provide immediate crisis counseling related to disasters at 1-800-985-5990.
BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM
A strong support network is pertinent in the recovery journey. That is why it is important that friends, family members, and community members demonstrate and outpour their love and support to those in need. The success of an individual with a strong support system versus one without is much more likely to endure.
The damage that addiction can do to relationships can be devastating. It is not unusual for addicts to be isolated and cut out from families, friends, and social groups. This can destroy trust, hope, and progress on the road to recovery.
It is pertinent to identify key individuals that are supportive of their recovery and future success. Expectations should be communicated clearly to define the standards of the relationship.
Some families and addicted individuals benefit from attending routine recovery and support meetings, counseling, and group/family therapy sessions. It is important to assess and identify the need for this early.
A good support team is filled with individuals who have a positive impact on the addicted individual’s recovery, rather than a team of individuals who can pose a negative influence on their recovery.
RESILIENCE AND RELAPSE
One of the biggest factors at play in recovery is resilience. Being resilient at a time of despair is difficult, but with time, gets easier.
Relapse is an unfortunate, but almost definite part of the recovery process for most recovering addicts. According to NIDA, around 85 percent of individuals relapse within a year of treatment and two-thirds return to drug use within mere weeks of beginning treatment. While this can be discouraging to not only the individual, but the family and friends of the individual, it is important to understand that relapse does not equate to failure and is often a steppingstone towards long-term recovery.
It is important to identify high risk situations that predispose the addicted individual to higher risks of relapse and avoid them.
Triggers, life stress, mental health disorders, and other circumstances play significant roles in the recovery of an addict. It is important to recognize as an addicted individual, or a family member/friend of an addicted individual, the situations that increase this risk. It is also important to recognize signs of relapse and maintain vigilance in redirecting the individual to recovery as these phases of recovery are often the most fragile and difficult and can deteriorate success.
HOLISTIC HEALING
Holistic Healing is an approach that treats the whole person, rather than a symptom. While holistic addiction treatment methods are not a replacement for other traditional treatment methods, they can be immensely helpful and complementary to addiction treatment.
According to Family Addiction Specialist, Holistic treatments help individuals build coping skills, diminish withdrawal symptoms, address behavioral and emotional health needs, enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, and improve overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, many holistic addiction recovery methods are not covered by insurance and pose a financial burden in some situations. Despite this, it is important to recognize their effectiveness and the potential benefits that may occur as a result of incorporating this approach to recovery.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND SPREADING HOPE
Many individuals have rebuilt their lives after addiction. It is important to recognize and celebrate milestones, big and small, along the journey.
Celebrating these victories keeps the addicted individual accountable and positive in their success. These moments are worthy of recognition.
Members of the addicted individual’s support team will celebrate their success in a positive way and continue to encourage hope for the future. Whatever way they celebrate, it is important to make a tradition and continue to partake in this tradition at every milestone as a way to motivate and inspire not only themselves, but others in recovery.
Encourage others in recovery to share their stories of hope and recovery and promote awareness and understanding of addiction in the community.
Addiction may cast a long shadow, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle
The journey to recovery is paved with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that a brighter future is possible. By seeking help, building a strong support system, and embracing holistic healing, individuals can rewrite their stories, providing that hope is the most powerful force in the battle against addiction. Together, we can light the way towards a future filled with hope and healing.
Ashley Brannan, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Omnia Medical Group
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I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasnt for u both never have I had a doctor that cares like u all do thank u so much for everything u all do..... ❤️ ❤️
Beautifully written and well said! I could not agree more. I have a loved one who has suffered with addiction for many years and I find that being supportive, compassionate, and understanding while avoiding stigmas remains the best approach to keeping them stable and showing my love and support. Thank you for all that you do.