Recovery

There are many pathways to recovery. Treatment outcomes depend on the extent and nature of the person's problems; appropriateness of treatment; availability of additional services; and quality of interaction between the person and his or her treatment providers.

Family and friends play important roles in motivating people with drug problems to enter and remain in treatment. However, trying to identify the right treatment programs for a loved one can be a difficult process.

Treatment options may include: detoxification, behavioral therapies, medications such as suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone, and inpatient and outpatient programs.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit recovery group for men and women addicts. To locate an NA meeting in Delaware County visit www.naworks.org or call 215-NA-Works. Families can also join Nar-Anon by visiting:

www.nar-anon.org

Essentially, recovery is a complex and dynamic process encompassing all the positive benefits to physical, mental and social health that can happen when people with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or their family members, get the help they need. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, NCADD)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) offers this definition:

“Recovery from alcohol and drug problems is a process of change through which an individual achieves abstinence and improved health, wellness and quality of life.”

Expanding on this definition, SAMHSA articulates twelve “Guiding Principles of Recovery”:

1. There are many pathways to recovery.
2. Recovery is self-directed and empowering.
3. Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need for change and transformation.
4. Recovery is holistic.
5. Recovery has cultural dimensions.
6. Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness.
7. Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
8. Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude.
9. Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition.
10. Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma.
11. Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.
12. Recovery is a reality. It can, will, and does happen.