Recovery from drug addiction and substance dependency can be a long and difficult road for anyone suffering from addiction. The first step is probably the most important, realizing and admitting that one has a problem that requires professional help. The second step would be detoxification followed by a rehabilitation program. There are several different options when it comes to addiction treatment. There are multiple rehabilitation centers across the country, most of which focus on the traditional 12-step approach. Although 12-step meetings and the overall program itself have helped thousands and thousands of people, it is not always for everyone. If a person does not believe in a Higher Power, they may find the program difficult. However, there are several holistic non-traditional 12-step programs that are becoming more and more popular. There are holistic addiction treatment facilities that offer an alternative method of recovery. These facilities incorporate meditation, yoga, individualized and customized treatments, and other non-traditional therapies. There are books that offer solutions to help one stay sober. Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey offers a self-recovery program that teaches one how to control your addictive thoughts and behavior. Another popular alternative method is called Seven Weeks To Sobriety written by Joan Mathewes Larson, Ph.D. This program teaches addicts how to heal themselves through nutrition amongst other things. 
What is the Success Rate for Holistic Addiction Treatment?
The success rate for addicts staying in recovery varies, but do not be discouraged. There are thousands of people who have maintained recovery through hard work and determination. People in recovery need to change their complete lifestyles. This can be hard especially if there are limited resources in your area. Here are a few tips to help stay in recovery. In the early stages of recovery, there are many changes a person will go through both emotionally and physically. The emotional part alone can be somewhat of a nightmare. Getting angry for no reason or being irrational are amongst a few of the feelings that will surface. Some people in recovery claim to be on a “pink cloud” meaning they are super happy for a while, but that feeling eventually disappears and the rest of their emotions surface. Physically they may feel better, after detoxing of course. They may have more energy to do daily tasks that they were once unable to do or did not care about doing. There are effective things an addict can do to stay in recovery. Staying busy will help with recovery as well. Getting a job working long hours will help keep busy and finding new hobbies will also help. Exercise is a great way to help feel better and healthier. Taking vitamins and eating healthy is another way to feel better. Changing all of their habits is crucial as is removing themselves from their old friends. Many successful addicts in recovery say that quitting will make one feel much better and that it is completely worth it. There are thousands of addicts who have successfully quit and have improved their lives drastically. Conquering a drug or alcohol addiction can be quite a difficult task but it is possible. Having the desire and the will to live drug-free is a choice one must make on their own. For some, this means losing everything they have before getting help and for others, it can mean being forced into treatment, placed in jail or in some cases the person just decides to quit as they can see the negative effects the drug or alcohol use is doing to their lives.
What can you do to achieve long-term sobriety?
There are several crucial steps to take in order to obtain permanent and lasting sobriety:
- Relationships, intimacy, and commitment
- Caring, kindness, giving and service
- Physical health, nutrition, sleep and exercise
- Goals, hobbies, and flow
- Spirituality, religion or a higher power
- Strengths, best qualities and sharing them
- Optimism and gratitude
Staying sober is not an easy task. It is probably one of the hardest things an addict will have to do. The cravings alone are horrific during the first months and can be on-going for long periods of time but with the right support system and mindset, addiction can be conquered for good. Since everyone is different there is no set of exact rules to follow in order to stay sober. For example, one person may choose to attend AA meetings on a daily or weekly basis and this might work for them, while another individual may try another program that works equally well for them. Some people prefer to count the number of days they have sober while others frown upon this idea as they see it as a lifestyle, not a challenge. If someone commits to staying sober it is imperative that they find what works best for them. Committing to a healthy lifestyle is difficult for most people, addicts or non-addict but if one is willing to do the hard work it is definitely worth the rate. Several people have gone to both 12-step related rehabs and non-12-step programs and have found that neither worked for them so they try another approach. It’s a trial and error process for each individual but the suggestions mentioned above may help one maintain their recovery and achieve long term sobriety. It’s an uphill battle but it can be done if the person truly wants it. Contrary to popular belief one does not need to hit rock bottom before they get help. Once a person realizes they may or may not have a problem they are the ones who can determine if they want to get better and live a sober and drug-free lifestyle.
