Building a Bridge in Recovery

Active addiction does not have to last forever. Instead, think of substance addiction treatment and recovery as a bridge. Similar to bridges that need maintenance throughout the years, you require upkeep and the ability to repair yourself. In order to achieve lasting recovery, you must learn that bridges break down, relapse occurs, and life begins again.

The idea of sobriety being a transient object, vulnerable to the environment, is based on the theory that life takes work, and at some point, you may fail. Despite attending 12-Step meetings, engaging in therapy, or participating in a sober community, you will likely face temptations that challenge your sobriety. Life has a way of presenting obstacles and shaking up your routine. Maintaining your recovery is a journey complete with twists and unforeseen circumstances.

The Bridge

Think of your sobriety as a journey. The moment you decide to quit drinking alcohol or using substances, you step onto a bridge. Dangerous obstacles in your path require the support of the bridge in order to get to the other side. Medically supervised detoxification (detox) treatment programs are the bridges. Detox programs provide comfort and time for your body to withdraw from toxins in alcohol and drugs. 

Detox as a Foundation

The care team at a detox treatment center guides you to build the foundation of your recovery. While you are detoxing, you are laying the initial elements of the bridge that make the foundation solid. The purpose is to take the weight and stress off of the bridge and spread it evenly, creating a stable foundation. The detox process is the material necessary to protect the bridge from falling.

Additional support is provided to you while in detox. For example, many centers serve healthy, nutrition-packed food and transition you to an appropriate level of care in a substance addiction treatment program.

Substance Addiction Treatment 

Detox is the foundation of recovery, and substance addiction treatment is the substructure. Individual and group therapy function as walls for your recovery. Therapy sessions help build and retain the information required to reinforce and withstand stress, depression, or your environment.

As with any substructure, substance addiction therapy also provides multiple forms of sustenance. Holistic treatments like art, yoga, breathwork, and exercise therapy provide additional support and alternative coping methods. For example, think about how breathwork pulls you back to focusing on your feelings while encouraging you to diffuse your destructive emotions. 

Substance addiction therapy is essential because it is another layer that supports your recovery. Whether you employ the lessons you learned in treatment or make holistic therapy a part of a daily routine, you are diffusing and decreasing harmful situations. 

Therapy Is Maintenance

Bridges rely on their foundation to maintain their structural integrity. Since you also depend on your foundation to maintain your sobriety, you will need upkeep. Return to therapy when you need to fill in a hole or crack in your life. Patching up emotional deficits builds resilience. 

Therapy extends over your foundation, protecting you from harsh elements in life. Your life is the direct traffic on the bridge. Whether you participate in group or individual therapy, you incorporate everything you learned while in treatment together. Everything you learn supports your ability to go over the bridge. At times, holistic or traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the barriers that protect you from going over the sides.

Repairing Your Recovery

Bridges will have potholes, cracks, and sometimes structural failures. Your life will have potholes, cracks, and there is potential for relapse. You hold the information and coping techniques learned in substance addiction treatment to help lead you over the ravine, but you cannot always protect yourself from the environment. At the same time, you can use yoga, meditation, art, or exercise as healthy techniques that give you flexibility and strength. 

Situations beyond your control can crack even the most robust foundation. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a blow to your self-esteem can create a pothole or complete failure of your bridge. Even the Golden Gate Bridge fell once, but people still go year-round for photography. The Golden Gate Bridge was rebuilt, and you can rebuild yours too; but first, you need to admit you relapsed and construct a plan to rebuild. 

Rebuilding Your Sobriety

Starting over again does not equate to failure. In some cases, rebuilding your sobriety means you can create a foundation that can withstand destructive forces. Go back to detox and follow through with a substance addiction treatment program.

Think of sobriety and recovery as a bridge. You can't have a strong bridge if you don't take the time to build the foundation (detox), the substructure, and the structure (substance addiction treatment). All these components guide you to understand your emotional needs. By addressing this, you find out how to replace and refill the dangers in your environment. The support you find in individual, group, or holistic therapies will carry you over to difficult situations. Monte Cristo Recovery is dedicated to guiding you through the detox process, creating a strong foundation for your journey to recovery. We recognize the care you receive is critical to your well-being. Our staff furthers your recovery process with a smooth road to sobriety. Monte Cristo Recovery works with substance addiction treatment centers in Orange County, California, to ensure you don't fall into the cracks. If your foundation falters, we're here to help you rebuild. For more information, call (714) 824-9896.

Steps Needed to Go From Detox to Recovery

Substance addiction is like stepping into a cyclone; never knowing what to expect by the minute or what will happen to you after it passes. Every time you take a drink of alcohol or use a drug, you step back into the chaos and confusion of substance addiction. 

There may come a time when you decide to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the storm. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD), protection means beginning substance addiction therapy. The first step of recovery is daunting because, like a storm, there is so much unknown. To help you understand and prepare for substance addiction treatment, you can use this as a guide through detoxification (detox) treatment.

Find a Detox Treatment Center

Detoxing on your own can be detrimental to your body, so a DIY approach is never recommended. Before you abruptly stop using a substance, find out what type of detox is right for you. There are a few types of detox that will meet your specific needs.

• Complete abstinence: When you quit abruptly or “cold turkey,” your body immediately withdraws from alcohol and drugs. In detox, your body rids the chemicals that hijacked your brain's neurons, or the “feel good” brain cells. Without these chemicals, your brain and body begin to react, sometimes with deadly effects. This is why this detox method should always be supervised by a medical professional.

• Cold tapering: The cold tapering process involves slowly decreasing the amount of a substance over time to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. The slow withdrawal process guides your brain cells to adjust to being sober.

• Substitution tapering: When you undergo substitution tapering, your medical provider replaces your substance of choice with a comparable, lower addiction capacity substance. Medically supervised detox centers that use this detox process do so because it reduces any pain or discomfort from the withdrawal process.

From Detox to Substance Addiction Treatment

Most medically supervised detox centers will help you enter a substance addiction treatment program. As you end the detox process, counselors, social workers, or case managers will form a transition plan. A seamless transition from detox to substance addiction treatment will decrease your stress.

After you settle into treatment, you will participate in individual, group, or holistic therapy sessions. Each form of therapy aims to aid your healing process.

• Individual therapy is when you talk privately with a therapist about your behavior patterns or underlying mental health disorders, treatment plans, and your transition to aftercare. During these sessions, you can explore why you use alcohol or drugs and what triggers your use. By discovering these issues, you can form a comprehensive treatment plan to replace harmful habits with healthy alternatives. In some cases, you will have the choice to begin medication to help you cope with a mental health disorder.

• Group therapy is a chance to listen and learn from others and better understand how others face their own addiction. Throughout these sessions, you can choose to join in the conversation or process what you hear.

• Holistic therapies are a part of comprehensive care. Therapies like meditation or yoga can help you reconnect with your mind and body as they gently guide you to listen to and accept what your body is telling you. Of course, there are other forms of holistic therapies like equine, art, exercise, or nature therapy.

Many substance addiction treatment programs also offer nutrition and life skills classes. Some also provide family therapy or innovative, evidence-based treatments like neurofeedback therapy.

Aftercare Treatment

As you come to the end of your substance addiction treatment program, you may wonder what is the next step in recovery. During one of your therapy sessions, talk with your therapist about aftercare. Aftercare treatment plans can include going to a 12-Step program, finding a support group, building a solid support system, or entering sober living.

Many people find comfort in a 12-Step program. An advantage to this kind of program is finding a sponsor you can talk to in times of need. Sometimes, knowing you have someone to reach out to—no matter what—gives you peace of mind.

However, you may find that a 12-Step program does not work for you. Instead, you can join a sober group that meets your needs. A few ideas are to look for groups that share an interest, participate in community volunteering, or engage in spiritual practices.

If you are not ready to go back to your daily life when you complete your substance addiction treatment, you can always talk with your therapist about a sober living program. Sober living programs are a less immersive form of living that provides care while you build a healthy support system.

The decision to stop using substances is daunting because you don't know what to expect once you enter a medically supervised detox treatment center. Before you talk yourself out of finding help for your substance use disorder, step back, assess your life, and do your research. Find a detoxification center that fits your needs and call them to learn about their treatment options and philosophy. Monte Cristo Recovery welcomes inquiries about our detoxification treatment options. We believe safe and healthy recovery starts with medically supervised detox. Monte Cristo Recovery's withdrawal process includes the necessary treatment to address the initial stages of withdrawal and use a tapering-off approach. As the detox process comes to an end, our staff will ensure a smooth transition from detox to substance addiction treatment. Our convenient location in Orange County, California, and affordable services make us the perfect place to start your healing journey. For more information, call us at (714) 824-9896.

Pain Management in Recovery

Chronic pain, or pain that lasts for over three months, can be debilitating and life-changing. Pain management has traditionally relied on prescriptions like opioids. However, these drugs are highly addictive and can lead to substance use disorders (SUDs), overdoses, and other serious problems. People are now looking for alternatives to help cope with chronic pain without the risk of addiction. One of the many challenges that come with recovery is managing pain and discomfort. However, there are steps to manage pain without relying on substance use. 

Opioid Pain Management

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many people rely on prescribed opioids to treat pain. Through the use of opioid pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, or oxymorphone, we have a growing opioid epidemic. Because opioids block the signals from pain receptors in the brain, doctors overwhelmingly prescribed them to patients. 

Even though these medications are highly effective, they are prone to triggering substance use disorder in individuals. Unfortunately, about 10.1 million people have misused their prescribed opioids. These medications can be addictive, dangerous, and even deadly if not taken properly. The USA has seen an increased rate of opioid-related SUDs and overdoses. As more people seek recovery from these opioids related SUDs, some of these individuals may look for alternatives to manage their pain. 

Alternatives to Opioids for Chronic Pain

When suffering from chronic pain, there are several approaches that you can take. For some, a combination of treatments may be the best option. You have the option of using traditional pharmaceutical methods or non-pharmaceutical therapies for a holistic approach. A holistic approach, which is used in tandem with other treatment methods, addresses the body’s system of pain-sensing pathways. A pain management team can help you determine the best ways to relieve your pain.

The following list provides several options to add to your pain management plan. These options include therapeutic, homeopathic, and medical options. 

• Antidepressants: These classes of prescription drugs work by increasing levels of "feel good" chemicals in the brain. According to researchers, antidepressants can have a positive effect on serotonin, especially by stimulating the descending pain pathways in the spine.

• Steroid injections: Injections of steroids can help people suffering from severe muscle spasms and nerve pain. They are used to manage pain from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain forms of arthritis. The injections can help reduce swelling and inflammation in joints and muscles.

• Acupuncture: This traditional medical practice, often used in Asia, involves the insertion of needles at specific points on the body to interrupt pain signals. Besides interrupting pain signals, the treatment helps with improving circulation, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and easing muscle tension. Scientists recognize that acupuncture can reduce the need for medication for chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. It can often eliminate or reduce the need for medications altogether for chronic pain conditions, such as migraine and arthritis.

• Chiropractic: This option provides a successful course of treatment for many ailments, including low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractors can provide adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body to correct alignment problems and ease the pain.

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a treatment that uses techniques such as heat, cold, exercise, massage, and manipulation, to help people manage pain. The treatment improves the condition of muscles by restoring muscle strength.

• Yoga: This exercise can help restore strength and relieve pain. Yoga is a mind-body practice that involves stretching and breathing techniques to help relieve stress and physical tension.

• Behavioral Therapies: The use of evidence-based therapies enhances pain management. Therapy can help individuals address problems such as negative beliefs and behaviors that amplify their chronic pain. Certain common mental health disorders can exacerbate chronic pain like emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Over-the-Counter Medication: Many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased without a prescription. These drugs relieve aches and pains. For the most part, they are non-addictive. There are several pain medication options, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin and ibuprofen).

• Surgery: Surgery is never the first option for pain treatment, but sometimes it may be necessary to treat severe pain that is caused by back problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries. With surgery, there are always risks and benefits to consider with your healthcare provider.

• Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on an object for a specific period. Meditating can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and control pain. One may also combine it with guided imagery to help the mind focus on positive images.

By engaging in some or all of these methods, you may be able to manage your chronic pain without turning to opioids. If you're struggling with your pain and these aren't helping, however, it may be time to seek the help of a medical professional.

Pain management plans reduce pain, manage side effects, and improve quality of life. However, these plans often use medications for this purpose, so what happens if you have an addiction to the medication? Many people become addicted to opioid medications because of their effectiveness on the brain in managing pain. However, this comes with the risk of developing an addiction. It is important for individuals in recovery to have a plan in place in order to avoid relapsing. At Monte Cristo Recovery, we believe that pain management should support your recovery and help prevent relapses. There are many other options for pain relief, including over-the-counter medications, behavioral therapies, surgery, physical therapy, and yoga. Finding the right treatment plan can address your pain and help you get back to living your life. If you start to feel like you're developing a substance use disorder with opioids, contact us today at Monte Cristo Recovery by calling (714) 824-9896.

What Five Questions Should I Ask When Looking for Treatment?

You or a loved one may be struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD). Detoxification and rehabilitation are among the most effective treatments, offering the best path for a person to move on from active substance use toward a healthier life. When looking for the best-fit facility for the treatment of you or a loved one, consider which facility provides what you need to be successful and whether they address relapse by giving aftercare plans.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are a type of disorder that affects the brain, body, and behavior. Factors like genetic makeup, childhood trauma, mental health disorders, or peer pressure can trigger it. In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 61.2 million Americans over 18 had a mental health order or a substance use disorder. The continued impact of SUDs on Americans continues to worsen. SAMHSA’s conducted report shared: 

• 38.5% of persons using substances were consuming illegal substances.

• 73.1% of those who suffer from alcoholism felt hopeless because of the disease.

• 11.5% of individuals with SUD use both illegal substances & alcohol.

• 3.8% of these persons with SUD live with co-occurring disorders, such as a SUD and a mental health disorder.

Treatment can help individuals with SUD recover. As you search for the best facility for yourself or a loved one, prepare yourself with the right questions to ask. A trustworthy treatment center will answer your questions honestly. You can use the following list of questions to assist your research and deliberate on which facility is the most suitable for you or your loved one. 

What Kind of Planning Does the Facility Provide?

Recovering from a substance use disorder is a long-term process that has some bumps along the way. To assure that you can overcome those bumps, a good relapse plan can help you. Remember, though, that even the best-laid plan can fall short. If you do relapse, will the facility offer the support that you need to help you bounce back quickly? Essentially, a good treatment facility will assist you in creating a relapse prevention plan. If you relapse in your recovery process, they will provide you with the support to get back on the path. There are two main types of detoxes that are helpful for you to know. 

• Medically Assisted Treatment: With a medically assisted treatment, a team of clinicians monitors the participants' blood pressure and heart rate while they are in withdrawal. With such extensive monitoring, clinicians identify any potential issues, like a seizure, before it happens.

• Medical Detoxes: A medically trained team will assist your detox. They will monitor symptoms 24/7, administering prescribed medications to help to ease withdrawal symptoms.

 At our detox center, Monte Cristo, we create a safe environment for your body to rest, absorb nutrients, and undergo the healing process. We will keep you hydrated and nourished with a healthy diet, and our medical team will determine what exactly you need to detoxify.

What Treatment Model Do They Use?

You can find a variety of treatment models being offered at these facilities. Out of all the methods of treatment, there are several prevalent models offered at these centers. One is a dual diagnosis program, which is beneficial in treating mental health issues alongside SUDs. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another one that treats addiction with therapeutic techniques. Faith-based models are another prevalent model. Faith-based models are effective because they use faith to help those struggling with a substance use disorder to grow spiritually.

Is the Clinical Team Proficient?  

We recommend asking questions about the facilities' team. This team will be providing care during a transformative moment in your life. Ask about the staff’s level of education and experience. 

Will This Program Meet My Needs?

A personal assessment is the first step of any reputable detox or treatment program. The personal assessment gives the healthcare professionals insight into your information, goals, and circumstances. From there, they can form an effective SUD treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs. Some specialized facilities also offer tailored programs for seniors, teens, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. See if the program offers the services that you are seeking. 

Is There an Aftercare Plan?

Recovering from a substance use disorder is an ongoing process. Luckily, many rehab programs offer aftercare programs to help you stay on the straight and narrow. Programs like intensive outpatient programs, aftercare programs, and sober living programs are as important as detox and residential rehabilitation.

It can be hard to decide what kind of detox or treatment is right for you. We hope that these five questions can help you match to the right place. 

Is your loved one is finally ready to get help for a substance use disorder (SUD)? SUDs are a chronic illness that affects a person's brain, body, and behavior. Factors like genetic makeup, past traumas, mental health disorders, or peer pressure can work to trigger it. While substance use disorders can take control of a person's life, they can still rebuild their lives by seeking treatment. While this path alone is great, choosing the right treatment facility can be a challenge. Proper care treats SUD with evidenced-based treatments. When you are considering a treatment facility or a detox for yourself or your loved one, arm yourself with the right research and knowledge by asking the right questions. Making sure that the facility meets the needs of your loved one is crucial for their recovery journey. At Monte Cristo Recovery, we can help you get started on your recovery path. For more information, call us today at (714) 824-9896. 

How Do I Take the First Step Towards Recovery?

Recovery from addiction is a process. There are many steps involved, and each one is important. However, it’s often said that the first step is the most difficult but also the most important. 

The first step is admitting that you have a problem. It sounds simple, but denial is a major component of a substance use disorder (SUD). Moving past denial can be difficult, but it is necessary to move forward on the path to recovery.

Recognizing Your Denial

Most do not develop a SUD overnight, although it sometimes seems that way. Addiction is a progressive illness that gets worse over time. What started out as occasional use can become daily use, and the consequences of use start to become more serious. Before receiving help, you must get past denial that a problem exists in the first place.

People still struggling with denial often experience the following:

• Lying about using drugs or alcohol.

• Denying how much or how many times they use or drink.

• Believing that they can easily stop whenever they want.

• Thinking that they still have control over their use.

• Overlooking the negative consequences of drinking or using in their lives.

To help you reflect on your current circumstances, use the following questions below:

• Is drug use preventing me from eating or exercising?

• Am I drinking or using considerably more than my peers?

• Is my drug use the reason for me missing school, work, or other obligations?

• Is it difficult or uncomfortable for me to imagine my life without using or drinking?

• Do I sometimes drink significantly more than I intended?

• Have I consumed large quantities of drugs or alcohol despite legal trouble?

• Am I using alcohol and drugs as my principal forms of relief?

• Has my drug use increased significantly since I started using?

• Am I experiencing blackouts after excessive drug or alcohol use?

• Am I consuming alcohol or drugs to have fun?

You can come to a simple conclusion that you have a problem with your addiction, or you can pretend that you don’t. This is where the denial can stop or continue. To manage any substance use disorder, you must admit that the problem exists. 

Accepting Your Addiction

When substance use affects your life significantly, denial breaks down. This sometimes happens when a traumatic event transpires, like being arrested or losing a loved one. Some people who suffer from addiction experience a “rock bottom,” where they feel they have lost everything to their disease. For many people, though, denial gradually breaks down over time because the effects of addiction become more and more noticeable. As you gradually leave denial, you will soon move into acceptance. Accepting that you have a problem is the next step to recovery.

Asking for Help

The next step towards recovery is realizing that you can't solve your problem alone. Many people who suffer from addiction refrain from asking for help out of fear of burdening others with their problems or the possibility of rejection from those they love and trust. It's important to remember that life's struggles are part of being human and that if you ask for help, others are often willing to support you in some way. Friends and family may have already recognized the signs of addiction and are waiting for you to take the next step and ask for help.

Getting professional help is also a good next step once you have determined you have a problem. Reaching out to your primary care physician or a trusted mental health professional can get you going in the right direction. Health care professionals are trained to know what to do when a patient presents with a substance use disorder and can give you the support and resources you need to start your recovery journey. With their help, you can identify the level of care that you need, be it a full inpatient treatment program or an intensive outpatient option.

Detox and Support

Medical detox in a supervised setting can help you stabilize your health in a safe and controlled environment free from substances. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be severe, so it's important to involve a medical professional in your decision to get sober. At a detox center, you can expect 24-hour supervision, monitoring, and medical intervention when needed. 

In addition to detoxing, finding support is vital in the recovery process. Having a support network is extremely important, as it helps you know you are not alone. Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous can provide the support you need amongst peers who have faced similar challenges. Individualized or group therapy is also a good option for learning how to change your behavior and move forward with your life in a positive way.

The first step towards recovery means admitting that you have a problem. By admitting that a problem exists, you can begin seeking the solution. This often means asking for help from a trusted friend or family member and getting the assistance of a mental health professional. With their help, you can determine an appropriate level of care and learn about the resources you need to get going on the path to sobriety. With the right medical and emotional support, recovery is possible. Monte Cristo Recovery is a treatment center that provides a safe environment for your body to rest and heal itself. You'll receive the support you need from trained professionals while undergoing structured clinical assessments and therapy. Monte Cristo assists you with your recovery via medical detox, nutritious meals, and emotional support. Take our hands so we can help. Give us a call today at (714) 824-9896 for more information.

5 Things That May Psychologically Harm Someone in Recovery

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a recognized illness caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Addiction is a medical issue that can't be cured, only treated. Here are five ways to avoid causing psychological harm to a person in recovery.

#1. Avoid Stigmatizing Language

The stigma around SUDs continues to persist because of the presence of antiquated language and ideas regarding SUDs. Today, the medical field recognizes SUDs as a chronic, treatable medical condition. We know people can recover and continue to lead healthy lives. Feeling stigmatized can make people with SUD less willing to seek treatment. It fosters sentiments like fear, pity, and anger among the public towards persons with SUDs. 

To help, refrain from using terms like addicted, alcoholic, or addicted to drugs. Such labels limit their personhood to their illness. Instead, “use person-first language, which focuses on the person—not their illness.” You can use the following terms:

• Person with a substance use disorder (instead of “addict,” “user,” or “junkie”)

• Person with an opioid use disorder (OUD)

• Person with alcohol use disorder (instead of using “alcoholic” or “drunk”)

Overall, listen instead of being condescending to people and encouraging them, and giving them support in the right ways. They can provide you with the words that they prefer to use to describe their illness.

#2. Avoid Minimizing Their Situation

People struggling with SUDs need the support of their families and peers. Providing support means recognizing the severity of this illness. This means refraining from encouraging all substance use, regardless of which drug of choice they had during active addiction. People suffering from addiction are vulnerable to replacing one substance with another one. Hence, it is vital to avoid all other intoxicants, including alcohol. Refraining from doing so could lead to relapse. To show your support, avoid downplaying their suffering with such sayings:  

• “You can stop when you want to.”

• “You deserve to have a drink now and again.”

• “It's all about balance.”

• “One drink isn't going to hurt."

Instead of minimizing the journey of recovery, find sober ways to engage with them. Avoid using or drinking around them, especially during early recovery.

#3. Avoiding Their Presence or Concerns

People in recovery want someone to listen without judgment. It’s difficult for someone who has been through something as serious as addiction to talk about how they feel. Never dismiss their feelings of pain and suffering. A good approach is to ask a few questions, especially open-ended ones, to get a better sense of their story.

There are many ways you can help a friend with a substance abuse disorder. You can take the following steps:

• Find an activity that gets them exercising or out in nature.

• Let your friend talk about their SUD without them feeling like they are burdening you.

• Listen to your friend carefully and without judgment.

• Continue to treat them with love and compassion, especially if they experience a relapse or a serious setback.

#4. Not Supporting Their Treatment Plan

In order to recover, an individual needs to know that their support system will back their treatment plan. If you are a part of someone's support system, it is helpful to provide unconditional love and acceptance. They will find it invaluable to their recovery. There may be times that the recovery process may tax their support system’s time, finances, or emotional tolerance. For instance, they may need your help to:

• Opt for inpatient rehabilitation treatment as a medical necessity

• Attend daily 12-Step meetings

• Attend a family therapy session

• Take time off from work or family responsibilities for medical detox

There are no shortcuts to maintaining sobriety; recovery from a SUD can be a lifelong journey. The path to recovery is often complex and non-linear. Show up, be patient, and listen compassionately. The reward of recovery is worth it for both you and them. 

#5. Avoid Using Ultimatums

It's common for people in recovery to have a troublesome time with members of their support system demanding them to get sober. Ultimatums rarely work. They just create more stress, resentments, and fear of the individual with a SUD. If you notice a loved one struggling, don’t give them an ultimatum. Simply let them know that you love them and are there to support them. Encourage, but don’t pressure them. To take care of your own mental health, set boundaries for how you can support, but not enable, their behavior. This is a far better way to practice compassion regarding your loved one’s SUD. 

Addiction is a disease that affects the mind, body, and soul, so it's crucial that those suffering from it can reach out for help without fear of judgment. Remember, people who are in recovery have often endured many years of illness in active addiction. They have to work hard every day to stay on track and stay healthy. Avoid shaming language or pointing fingers. It is really important to be supportive and empathetic towards someone in recovery. For example, try highlighting their positive attributes, their hopes, or their progress. Letting someone know that you know that they are taking steps in their recovery will encourage them to stay on the right path. At Monte Cristo, we can help you. Give us a call at (714) 824-9896. Our board-certified physicians and qualified RNs will go the extra mile in terms of service. Let us help you restore your life, relationships, and passions. SUD doesn't have to control you anymore.