There’s no quick fix for addiction, but the four pillars of recovery may help you stay on track over the long haul.
These four pillars are health, home, purpose, and community, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. Let’s look at each of the four pillars of addiction recovery.
1. Health
Addiction can be controlled via the recovery process, but there’s more to long-term wellness than just cutting down on drinking or drug use.
According to SAMHSA, long-term wellness involves “making educated, healthy choices that enhance physical and emotional well-being.”
Maintaining a sober lifestyle entails the following:
- Not partaking in any illegal substances
- Understanding the importance of a healthy diet
- Establishing a routine of regular physical exercises
- Seeking out opportunities to practice contemplative and restorative activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Lack of food might increase the likelihood of relapsing. When you’re sick, it’s natural to seek out the things that helped you feel better before.
Feeling sober reduces cravings for old vices, so it’s important to give your body time to adjust to life without drugs and alcohol.
2. Home
When things at home are chaotic, it’s far more difficult to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. You could define stability as finding affordable and secure housing in a community where drug abuse is not a problem. A stable home is essential for recovering addicts.
3. Purpose
Having a meaningful life goal might help you avoid turning to substances like alcohol when you’re feeling down.
One such goal may be the pursuit of a career or a course of study that interests you. It may also include engaging in acts of kindness, tending to one’s own family, or expressing one’s own unique creativity.
You may get your life back on track by seeking assistance in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that emphasizes meaningful practices. A source of purpose in your life and a tool for staying sober could be anything from art therapy, meditation, or therapy with animals just to mention a few.
It is not always easy to find meaning in life, and the path to doing so may be fraught with difficulties. Parenting, for instance, is a noble calling that can be excruciatingly challenging.
Make sure you have a solid network of people behind you while you strive to fulfill your life’s mission so that you can weather the storms of difficult interpersonal interactions and meaningful pursuits without resorting to substance abuse.
4. Community
When dealing with issues related to your physical or mental health, the support of others may be invaluable. You may find the support and encouragement you need to be clean and sober if you relocate to a new, healthier environment with your current circle of friends and family.
A community is a keystone for addiction recovery. It can help you stay accountable and connected to others who have experienced the same things you have, been through the same struggles, and are on the path to recovery.
No matter what type of addiction treatment you’re undergoing, it’s important that you find a network of people who understand and support your journey.
A group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) might be a good option for someone trying to recover from alcoholism. An online community like 12 Step Connection might be helpful for someone who wants to stay accountable but doesn’t want to attend meetings in person.
How the Four Pillars Can Help During Detox
Detox is simply the removal of toxic substances (alcohol, drugs) or unhealthy behaviors (excessive eating) from an individual’s life.
Treatment specialists may use medication-assisted detox if they suspect addiction or another mental health condition has contributed to their dependence on substances or behaviors.
Detox is not just a physical process, it is also an emotional one. Knowing what to expect can help you get through the process.
The four pillars of addiction recovery can help detox go more smoothly through support, understanding, purpose, and hope. If you are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, knowing the four pillars can be very helpful in helping detox go as smoothly as possible.
For instance, connecting with other people who have been there before can make you feel less alone during detox and after recovery.
You may want to reach out to someone in your life who has gone through addiction or find a support group for people dealing with substance abuse.
Mindfulness can be helpful because it helps you remain present at the moment instead of getting lost in thoughts about addiction and withdrawal. Mindful activities could include meditating, practicing yoga, or breathing exercises.
At Innovo Detox, We Help You To Find Meaning In Your Life
Finding meaning in your life can help you stay sober and on track. Some ways of finding meaning include creating new hobbies, volunteering for charities, and setting goals for yourself that keep you focused on what’s important.
Contact Innovo Detox today to find out how you can go through a safe and less stressful detox from drugs or alcohol through a process based on the 4 pillars of addiction recovery!
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorders, please give us a call. Innovo Detox offers the latest in evidence-based medical, psychiatric, and clinical care for those in need of detox and medical stabilization in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or a loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a detox, rehab, treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (717) 931-7277 or email our team at info@innovodetox.com. For more information on our company or services, please visit our website at www.innovodetox.com.