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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.

The goals of National Recovery Month are to:

• Celebrate those in long-term recovery;
• Acknowledge those who provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support services; and
• Empower those who need help to seek treatment.

What Is Addiction?

Substance use disorder (SUD), commonly called addiction, is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, alcohol or drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain.

These changes in the brain can be long-lasting and eventually lead to harmful behaviors. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior.

There Is Hope In Recovery

The journey to recovery is not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most individuals need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely.

But there is hope! Quick access to a treatment program and community support can allow a person to begin their recovery journey and reduce their chances of relapse. No single treatment is the perfect fit for everyone. An effective treatment program should provide a variety of care tailored to individual needs.

Take Your First Step

The first step to beginning the recovery journey is to assess what type of treatment might be best. Meeting with a counselor who can map out a treatment plan is a great place to start!

Treatment options might include:

Detoxification

Detoxification is often a necessary first step in the treatment process. This care helps someone through the process of withdrawal from certain substances with the use of medications to help suppress the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

This is often a 3-5 day process under the care of medical staff in a hospital setting. Remember that detoxification is not “treatment” in itself, but it is the first step toward treatment.  Participating in a follow-up program is imperative for successful recovery.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is 24/7 care in a non-hospital setting and where a person receives treatment for 30 days to 12-18 months. While in residential treatment, individuals live in a therapeutic community and follow a highly structured schedule of activities.

These activities are designed to help address the emotional, spiritual, and behavioral aspects of the addiction. This treatment focuses on developing personal accountability and responsibility.

Sober Living

Like residential treatment, sober living homes provide a safe and sober living environment. The focus on sober living is to re-integrate into daily living, such as gaining employment, taking care of daily living activities, and getting re-acclimated into the community through attending support groups and doing community service work.

Outpatient Counseling

There are many options for outpatient recovery services. Outpatient options are a good transitional option for those who have been in a residential program or for those who may have a more stable social support system and steady employment.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Because of the impact on the brain and brain function, there may be a need for what is known as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). During the course of MAT, medications are administered that help re-establish normal brain function and reduce cravings.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), MAT is backed by science and has shown to have a greater success rate when combined with group therapy and support.

Support Groups

Support groups are found in many communities and are often referred to as the foundation of recovery. The most well-known groups are 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and the faith-based program Celebrate Recovery.

These programs take a step-by-step approach to recovery and cause an individual to look at many aspects of life – spirituality, removing character defects, and leaving guilt and shame behind.

Recovery Mentors

Another vital area for support that is a newer concept in recovery is having a recovery mentor or coach.  A recovery mentor is someone an individual can lean on during challenging times that may lead to relapse. The recovery mentor will work with the individual to set goals, establish a connection to a sober community, or simply be a listening ear when cravings or thoughts of using come.

This is an important component to the recovery journey when a person has completed any of the various treatment options. Having that one person walk alongside can make all the difference in a person’s long-term success in recovery.

Fellowship Missions Is Here To Help

Through Fellowship Missions’ Addiction Recovery Hub, we are committed to help unite our community around the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and to offer support to those struggling with substance use disorder and their families. 

One of the greatest barriers for those seeking treatment is the access and cost. Our goal is to eliminate those barriers. By working to identify gaps in treatment and offering help through our treatment assistance fund, Fellowship Missions hopes to help all who are seeking treatment begin their path to recovery.

Partnering With Save Our Sobriety (S.O.S)

Fellowship Missions is partnering with amazing advocates for recovery in our community. Beginning now through December 2020, Sarah Lockridge, is working to raise both awareness and funds to help those seeking treatment. We are so thankful Sarah and Save Our Sobriety have chosen to partner with us to help those right here in Kosciusko County!

 If you would like to donate to the Fellowship Missions Addiction Recovery Hub treatment assistance fund you can give online or drop your donation at Fellowship Missions between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m, Monday – Friday. Be sure to note that your donation is for the SOS fund.

If you would like to get involved with our Recovery Mentor Program as a recovery mentor, call us at (574)268-9555 ext. 111 for more information.