Recovery

Recovery models

Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Different models emphasize different dimensions of this journey:^[3]

• Community-based model: Peer-support and community-based models, like 12-step programs, Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), and therapeutic communities highlight the importance of social connections, support networks, and societal reintegration in recovery.
• The stages and phases of recovery models: White and Kurtz's Transtheoretical and Developmental Recovery Models acknowledge that recovery is a stage-based process with distinct phases, each requiring tailored support.
• The life course perspective model: The factors affecting the onset of addiction and recovery depend on age and other developmental considerations. This model is a helpful example of how different approaches are needed to help different people achieve and sustain remission.

Can addiction be cured?

NIDA defines addiction as a “chronic disease.”[1] The word to note in this definition is “chronic.” Therefore, addiction cannot be cured in the traditional sense, just like other chronic diseases (like diabetes and high blood pressure) cannot be cured.

Addiction can, however, be treated or managed. According to NIDA, treatment is not a cure.^[1] By treating addiction, you can regain your life, as this will enable you to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects.

Effective addiction treatment combines both medication and therapy.

Medications are used (especially for opioids, alcohol, and nicotine) to:

• Manage withdrawal symptoms
• Reduce cravings
• Prevent relapse

Behavioral therapies help modify a person's behaviors and thought patterns, as well as address triggers that may result in relapse. These include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Contingency management
• Motivational interviewing

A personalized approach, combining both medications and behavioral therapies, is best used for long-term recovery, as it addresses the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Post-Treatment Recovery Programs

There are many programs to support sustained recovery after treatment:^[8][9][10]

• Recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC) follow a chronic care model and offer long-term outpatient services, such as recovery housing and coaching.
• Recovery support services include emotional and practical support through mutual aid groups, peer recovery coaching, and recovery community centers.
• Recovery residences, also known as sober living homes, are alcohol- and drug-free environments where people can live post-treatment to assist with gradual reintegration into society.
• Inpeer recovery support programs, those who have undergone recovery mentor and guide others through their recovery journey.
• Social and recreational recovery programs include social activities in recovery-specific settings, like recovery cafes, sports leagues, and creative arts programs.
• Education and employment-based recovery services help to maintain recovery through education and support to find employment.
• Faith-based recovery support provides a recovery pathway guided by religious or spiritual values.

Identifying relapse triggers

Relapse occurs because of physical, psychological/emotional, and social factors. For example, relationship problems, issues at work, and isolation, to name a few, can lead to relapses. One of the main reasons relapses happen is the presence of triggers, which are highly individual.

Triggers are specific to each person, but there are a few cross-cutting ones:^[13]

• During the early stages of recovery, withdrawal can cause intense cravings as the body and mind adjust to being drug-free.
• Depression, anxiety, or unmanaged stress can lead to relapse.
• Problems with interpersonal relationships—whether with family, romantic partners, or friends—can lead to emotional distress.
• Being in social settings where drugs are present or around people who use drugs or alcohol can threaten success in recovery.
• A lack of social support, feelings of loneliness, or boredom can predispose to relapse.
• Sometimes, people feel they have "beaten" their addiction and may stop attending support groups or neglect coping strategies.
• Positive events, like celebrations or parties, where the social environment encourages substance use can encourage relapse.
• Significant change(s), such as starting a new job, moving to a new city, starting a new relationship, or getting divorced can have notable impacts. Both positive and negative life changes can be overwhelming and cause relapse.

Relapse prevention strategies

Although relapse is part of recovery, it is good to have an arsenal of helpful information to prevent relapse from occurring. The following are a few practical strategies to prevent relapse: ^{[7][14][15][16][17]} 

• Educate yourself about relapse risks and warning signs. Note personal triggers and learn how to manage them.
• To handle emotional challenges before they escalate, practice specific stress-relief techniques, such as deep breathing, journaling, or talking to a therapist.
• Schedule daily or weekly self-reflections to monitor your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Keep a journal or use a mood-tracking app to spot patterns early.
• List your common triggers (people, places, feelings) and write down actionable steps to avoid or handle each one effectively.
• Regularly rehearse practical coping strategies, such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, or distraction activities, that help you manage cravings or difficult situations.
• Keep a list of trusted people you can call when feeling vulnerable. Meet regularly with your support network, even when you're doing well.
• Review and update your relapse prevention plan. Set monthly reminders to revisit and update it based on any new triggers, experiences, or strategies that work for you.
• Build a daily routine that supports your sobriety—exercise, balanced meals, good sleep, and activities that give you purpose. Avoid environments that might tempt you to relapse.
• Attend support groups. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery can provide a safe space for people to talk about past use, recognize and manage cravings and triggers, and access peer support.

Maintaining sobriety post-treatment

There are numerous resources and strategies that can be implemented post-treatment to help maintain sobriety and ease long-term recovery. Some of these include: ^{[7][14][15][117]}

Ongoing therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two evidence-based approaches shown to help people manage triggers and emotional distress, which helps reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety. CBT helps people change negative thought patterns, while DBT helps with emotional regulation.

Attending support groups

Regularly attending meetings for support groups such as AA, NA, and SMART Recovery leads to better long-term recovery outcomes and helps maintain sobriety.

Life-skills training

Life skills training equips individuals with practical abilities to navigate daily challenges, reducing the risk of relapse. Skills like stress management, effective communication, and problem-solving promote emotional stability, while time management and conflict resolution support healthier interpersonal relationships. Learning healthy routines, job skills, and financial management empowers individuals to rebuild a balanced, sustainable lifestyle, which can be critical for long-term recovery success.

Support networks in recovery

Friends, family, loved ones, communities, and professional support all help maintain sobriety in the long term.

• Friends and family: Close relationships provide emotional support and motivation.
• Communities: A robust support system reduces feelings of isolation while promoting social activities that encourage sobriety. Recovery communities or peer recovery support centers offer a safe space to socialize while staying in sober houses (e.g., Oxford House) to facilitate belonging and, in turn, encourage recovery.
• Professional support: Therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists help patients maintain recovery by addressing underlying issues and developing the necessary skills and strategies for long-term recovery.
• Peer accountability partners: Fellow peers who have experienced similar struggles can offer insights, encouragement, support, and a sense of shared responsibility. Regular check-ins with accountability partners help keep people committed to recovery goals by encouraging and holding them accountable for their choices.