Long-term sobriety is an extremely challenging thing to accomplish and maintain. Many addicts can maintain initial recovery and even stay abstinent for several months or years but ultimately relapse into old behaviors and drug use. For an addict, returning to the use of drugs is a maladaptive form of emotional coping. For a long time drugs were this individual’s solution to the pain and stress of life. It takes time and consistency to create new habits and ways of approaching the world around us. For addicts developing community and being rigorously honest in relationships is also crucial to maintaining these new rituals. A foundation in 12-step programs along with creating a new and exciting life are also factors that impact ones capability of maintaining long term sustainable recovery.

For many people taking the first step into recovery can feel like an impossible challenge. Vulnerability and open communication are not things that come naturally to someone who has been lying, and manipulating in order to get their needs met, because of this people often feel alone and lost. A helpful tool in taking that first step is attending drug and alcohol treatment. In rehabilitation facilities there is structured support and community to help the individual comfortably re-integrate into interpersonal relationships. Emotional pain and past trauma is often presents a high risk for relapse when not dealt with, in rehabilitation centers clients are offered therapy and support from licensed professionals to help them attain emotional regulation and healthy coping skills. Research shows that long-term treatment and after care have the highest success rates for maintaining sobriety.

Creating a strong foundation in 12-step based programs is also integral to continuous and fulfilling recovery. Developing deep and committed relationships with other recovering addicts allows individuals to create community and support for themselves, which is crucial in moments of self-doubt and weakness. Addiction is a disease of silence and shame, so when people allow themselves to be vulnerable and continue to work on healthy honest communication their chances of remaining abstinent are vastly greater than when isolating. Lastly one of the most impactful ways to effect meaningful and consistent change, is for the addicts to create a new life for themselves, that they fill with creativity, relationships, hobbies and passion. A life that they love living.

Rebecca Kaplan-Rahimzadeh