Recovering from addiction is a gradual and lifelong process. Even after months of rehabilitation, recovery will continue to be an evolving process. The phrase “in recovery” is often misinterpreted, misunderstood and overused.
It’s true that “recovery” is lifelong. With appropriate supports in place, for many, the process of recovery becomes easier with the passage of time.
How Long do Recovery Programs Last?
Typically the initial recovery program will be based on a rehabilitation program at a center, followed by community and/or home recovery, during which one attends regular support groups and meetings. For example, alcohol recovery programs will typically last between 90-120 days, while some drug recovery programs can run for as long as six months.
After the recovery process begins, many people face what’s known as “home recovery.” During this time, a complete restructuring of habits is implemented to remove any triggers from their daily routine.
Once someone reaches the end of the initial recovery period with complete abstinence, they graduate to a new level of recovery in the rehabilitation process.
Many recovering addicts and their families struggle to cope with the changing behaviors associated with rehabilitation and recovery. Some of these challenges include:
Difficulty in Adapting to New Behavior
For some families, it may be difficult to adapt to the changing behavior of a family member in recovery. People who were once outgoing and enthusiastic may turn serious and focused. But it’s essential to adjust to a different personality and the varied behavior of someone who’s recovering from addiction.
Worry of Regression
Many people often monitor their loved ones in recovery for fear of regression. While this may be necessary at times, it’s important to respect privacy and create appropriate boundaries.
View Recovery as a Process
Recovery isn’t a magic pill – it is a lifelong process. If your child, parent, or spouse have recently returned home from successful rehabilitation, it’s important to provide them with extra support in order to assist them in establishing the appropriate supports they need to effectively change their patterns of behavior, permanently. This is not an easy task however it is a task well worth the effort.