Drug addiction alcoholism treatment alcohol abuse

Addiction Recovery FAQ's

• Is recovery possible?
• What are the challenges in early recovery?
• What if a loved one relapses?
• What is family recovery?
• Why do A.A. and Al-Anon work?
• How can you increase your odds for success?

Is recovery possible?

Absolutely. Millions are in recovery and stay there. Of those currently in recovery, about a third have been there for more than 10 years.

Independent outcome studies confirm that 71.4% of clients who take at least the primary and continuing care components of Renascent Complete Care are clean and sober 24 months post-treatment. When the disease of addiction is properly managed, a better life in recovery is possible.

But for every person in recovery, sadly there are nine who still need to be. The biggest barrier to recovery is people taking the first step. Be the one in 10 who picks up the phone today and asks for help: Call 1-866-232-1212.

What are the challenges in early recovery?

Even people who’ve received effective treatment for addictions will encounter situations that can produce intense periods of craving to re-use alcohol and drugs. It’s important to remember addiction is a lifetime health issue and, similar to other chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, people can relapse when they fail to manage their disease properly.

As noted in HBO’s website on addiction, lapse is defined as re-use of alcohol or drugs at least once following treatment. It occurs in at least 50% of those who complete treatment. The most dangerous period for lapse is the first three to six months after completion of formal treatment. Relapse, defined as return to excessive or problematic use is less common, occurring in approximately 20-30% of those who complete formal care in the prior year.

These statistics reinforce the results of Renascent’s December 2000 outcome study which show alumni at their highest risk of relapse 12 months after leaving treatment. The challenge of early recovery is one of the reasons Renascent created Complete Care, augmenting its 21-day residential or primary care program with structured relapse prevention, family care and alumni services to prevent relapse and increase the opportunity for long-term success.

People leaving the safety of a residential treatment program are often filled with a sense of hope, which can sometimes transform into a mistaken belief that they can maintain their sobriety alone. They believe they’re somehow different from other alcoholics and drug addicts and don’t need ongoing support.

Many people who’ve attended treatment and relapsed for long stretches of time wish they would have followed the advice given to them the first time around. In our Complete Care video, Renascent alumni express their hope others will learn from their story: Do everything your addiction counsellors and their peers in recovery say will help you – because it’s worked for millions.

Having family on your side in early recovery is very important. Everyone in the family needs to have realistic expectations about recovery. Through Renascent Family Care and regular attendance by family members at appropriate 12-step meetings (A.A., N.A., C.A., Al-Anon, Alateen), each family member learns to take care of his or her own needs first which in turn positively impacts everyone else in the family.

What if a loved one relapses?

People who struggle with addiction are prone to relapse (the return to use after a period of abstinence). This can be extremely painful for newly recovering addicts and their families.
In the absence of support, relapse can weaken hope for a new beginning. However, with the right support, many turn brief relapses into learning experiences that create stronger foundations for long-term recovery. Learn more about what you can do to help someone who’s relapsed.

What is family recovery?

Family members often have very different ideas about family recovery before and after attending Renascent Essential Family Care – our education series that helps families understand addiction and recovery.

Before attending classes, many feel there is only one person in their family who needs help or “fixing’ - the addict or alcoholic. But after participating, families are able to identify the pain, chaos and unmanageability affecting their own lives - through stories shared by other family members living with addiction and by talking with a Renascent Family counsellor.

Because family members, out of necessity, have learned to cope with situations that progressively get worse, it’s easy to lose track of your own feelings and needs. We invite you to take a few minutes for yourself and answer these 20 questions to see if Renascent can help you claim a better life for you and your family.

Why do A.A. and Al-Anon work?

The disease of addiction isolates both the addict and family members. Sometimes the most powerful way to heal is to learn from people who’ve been there. Alcoholics learn best from recovering alcoholics, those addicted to narcotics relate to recovering drug addicts and family members are understood by other family members who’ve lived through it. Not surprisingly, teens will listen to other teens who’ve shared the same experience.

Learning from peers is just one of the reasons why the 12-step fellowships help people. The other key reason is the program of recovery, or the 12 steps. This program works for people of all belief systems and non-beliefs. It’s a practical program that allows you to come to terms with your problems and to do the work necessary to be the healthiest person you can be.

A good introduction to A.A. is this video produced by Alcoholics Anonymous in Great Britain.

How can you increase your odds for success?

Choose a treatment program like Renascent Complete Care that offers structured relapse prevention and addresses the recovery needs of families. Find a recovery support group and stay actively involved. Make 12-step meetings a priority, get a sponsor, build a sober social network and apply recovery program principles to problems of daily living. Involve your family members in recovery support groups and activities. Remember, independent outcome studies demonstrate that Renascent alumni who regularly attend 12-step meetings and work with a sponsor are twice as successful.