Is Recovery Without Rehab Possible?

Addiction recovery is a process, usually a lifelong commitment, following rehabilitation.

When faced with the challenge of addiction, one must consider all factors before following the best route for them. Whilst inpatient rehab is considered the most popular and successful route, it is possible to embark on other paths that feel right to you. Addiction is a problem that affects millions of people and can feel isolating and frightening at times. In order to know how to treat your problem, you must first understand and accept the underlying issues.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is, first and foremost, a disease. The habits, behaviours or consequences of substance abuse can be catastrophic. It is a dependence on a particular substance that has become overused. This will create a high level of tolerance to the specific substance, whether that is alcohol or drugs, and therefore bring addiction to the surface. The need to consume this substance over and over, with a one-track mind, is often the first red flag of addiction.

When you continue to abuse a substance, it is likely that you will feel the physical and psychological effects early on. Often addiction can be precipitated by another type of mental illness, which could include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression or behavioural issues. Sometimes, these behavioural traits are adopted when you begin using them.

Self-Treatment For Addiction

Considering a path of self-treatment is an option for those wanting to address their issue and admirably decide to change their patterns. Self-treatment is an option for milder drug addiction issues but must be dealt with cautiously. In order to assess whether this is right for you, it is advisable to look at the types of self-treatment first. These include:

• Self-reflection and self-healing with gratitude and mindfulness
• Motivational listening and workshops
• Exercise/movement therapy for psychology
• Walk-in clinics/AA meetings
• Nature therapy and outdoor healing
• 12-step programmes

These starting points can often create a sense of calmness and healing in the mind. The above pathways can stimulate dopamine, which is a happy hormone that the brain is dependent on. Increasing dopamine will ultimately give you a bigger reward and therefore motivate you further. Speaking to a local public hub would be helpful to find out what type of self-help groups and pathways there are available to you.

However, before making these decisions for addiction treatment, it is important to consult a GP or medical professional to see if this is a valid choice for your current health status at this point.

The Benefits & Drawbacks of Self-Treatment

Self-help rehabilitation and recovery without rehab can be rewarding in many ways. However, it is important to consider various factors before making a decision. Let’s first discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Benefits:

• Can offer you a stable starting point with a sense of community
• Can empower you by taking matters into your own hands
• They are easily accessible, and many of them are free to undertake
• You can have a spiritual awakening, feeling calmer and ready to continue your journey

Drawbacks:

• It will not offer you a safe detox from the substance
• They are not tailor-made to your needs (mental health conditions/race/religion)
• You do not get one-to-one treatment
• No aftercare
• Lack of privacy

Professional treatment has a high success rate and also focuses specifically on your day-to-day needs and your future goals. Medical detox, for example, provides a patient with a safe environment to remove toxins from the body. Going ‘cold turkey’ can be dangerous and is not recommended. Self-help rehabilitation can be a great stepping stone before committing to a programme. It can give you an insight into what to expect, the journey you will embark on and possible obstacles. It can offer you a deep understanding and knowledge of your addiction, your thought processes and what you would like to work on in regards to your mental health.

Professional Treatment: Why It’s Often Recommended

Professional addiction treatment is undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, who are dedicated to addiction recovery. Residential addiction treatments are difficult to secure via the NHS or via any other public body, which is why many people who are seeking help opt to undergo private programmes.

Private rehabilitation clinics and facilities offer world-renowned treatments that have proven track records for success. Therapies and counselling sessions are private, confidential and one-to-one, which offers you a chance to truly reshape your mindset, and heal from any past or present traumas.

Mental health is considered the most vital element of addiction recovery. Therefore, in the case of someone living with severe addiction, professional assistance will likely be in their best interest. A structured approach to addiction recovery offers long-term stability and reduces the risk of a relapse.

Addiction Recovery Without Rehab

Numerous factors will depend on the outcome of your self-help recovery. The type and severity of your addiction could hinder your chances of success. However, if your addiction is in its early stages and this is a relatively new problem, then it may have a higher success rate.  Considering addiction recovery alone is admirable, but in order to help boost your chance of recovery, you should also encourage those around you to assist and support you where necessary. If this is not an option, then considering talking with a professional first will be of benefit.

Why Residential Rehab Has Higher Recovery Rates

Residential recovery specifically focuses on your individual needs. A private rehabilitation facility has residential care and support, mental health support and medical assistance. It is a programme made for you, which ensures a better chance for sobriety. You’ll also be around other like-minded people, and create a long-term support network, including support in an aftercare plan long after you leave the facility.

Find Help For Addiction Today

There is no need to suffer in silence. Addiction can be a destructive problem and can affect your life and those that you love, and attempting recovery without rehab can sometimes create a long and sometimes difficult road. Finding solutions has never been easier in the modern world, and we encourage you to reach out for a no-strings-attached chat to find out the best treatment for you. Please call us today on 01908 489 421.