Last Updated: February 16, 2023

Achieving successful recovery following an addiction to drugs or alcohol requires a lot more than just completing a treatment program. To maintain recovery over the long haul, a lifetime of effort is required.

No ‘Cure’ for Addiction

There is not an acute “cure” for addiction, although there are certainly plenty of success stories of people quitting their addiction and never going back to their old, destructive ways. However, many others continue to experience a long period of back-and-forth recurrence of use and recovery over their lifetime.

Addiction does not necessarily just stop once treatment in a rehab facility has been completed. What is needed for long-term sobriety and recovery is a continued effort. Successful addiction recovery is an ongoing life journey that requires a lot more than just abstaining from drinking or doing drugs.

Bumps in the Recovery Road

Studies have backed up this notion. More specifically, an Australian-based study looked at why many people leave treatment early. What researchers discovered is that the reasons for bailing on treatment are wide-ranging and cannot just be focused on one factor.

The reasons why people leave treatment early and suffer a recurrence of use have a lot to do with the actual characteristics of the treatment program, their relationships, volunteering and their future employment plans, among other factors. Each one of these factors has an impact on a person’s decision to leave treatment early, but how much of an influence each one has is also determined by how much value the person attaches to it.

How much self-worth a person feels and how they believe they are contributing to society have been found to be important elements to successful addiction recovery.

At the end of the day, addiction is not about quitting the habit and never looking back. No matter what type of experience that a person has had in ceasing the use of drugs or alcohol, there is typically ongoing work to stay sober.

People who have battled addiction must take greater care and precautions to avoid recurrence of use compared to those who have never had a struggle with substance misuse.

It is also important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment for addiction. Many people will benefit from different treatment methods depending on their specific drug of choice, the severity of addiction, and whether or not mental health disorders are part of the equation.

Multiple Routes on the Journey

Addiction treatment is a lifelong journey that can incorporate a number of factors long after detox and recovery programs have been completed. From sober living facilities to employment and volunteer opportunities to ongoing group therapy sessions, those battling an addiction have several channels to take in order to maintain sobriety over the long haul.

While there may not be a way to make addiction disappear completely, there are certainly avenues that can be taken to support continued sobriety.

Getting Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

In order to find and maintain sobriety, it is important to focus on long-term treatment to deal with symptoms and foster better recovery with fewer setbacks. Although no magic cure for addiction exists, there is certainly hope for improvement. With the many innovative addiction treatment resources in Ohio, successful recovery can be your reality.

To start living the sober life you want, contact The Recovery Village Columbus today.